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There are two powers simultaneously active in our society -a destructive and a constructive power.
The both positive and negative forces are moving the world from a self-focused, survival-oriented stage, towards a community- focused, peace-oriented stage. This movement and growth are the two elements apparent in all facets of the universe. And social changes are essential attribute. Humanity has passed the phases of 'tribal', city-forming, and 'nation building', and has arrived at the transitional phase, preparing itself for the planetarian age. Every development has contributed to this age- from technology, communication and transportation, to international laws and treaties, international organizations and NGOs.
However, humanity is facing a crisis- an intense, global, all encompassing crisis; and the crisis is menacing.
This is not a scientific or technological crisis; but rather a mental and ethical crisis.
What are the requisites for removing this crisis and foster the rise of civilization?
A new mindset; a 'new way of thinking', new paradigms for social meanings, which correspond to this age- the age of the 'maturity of mankind'.The challenges which go parallel with these changes, can only be dealt with through an overall development of a cultural and global consciousness.
What is missing, is the understanding and commitment of the people.
We must understand the concept of 'humanity as one and single dynamic organ';
that the body of humankind represents one organic whole. And that there is one energy.
There is an urgent need for spiritual transformation-
such that humanity would come to recognize its identity- that is just a single race, from one origin, belonging to one single country- the planet itself. And that peace and prosperity go hand in hand- that, a benefit, given to a nation, can not be durable, if the collective welfare of all the nations is not considered. That 'giving' is 'taking', and that the 'globalization phase' requires global responsibilities.
The question is: how can we make a society cohesive and integrated?
We need to set up an international framework, which is both, an institutional component such as the system of the United Nations, a world government and a world court, but also forming of a global shared values- like economic justice, a supreme emphasis on education, full equality of men and women, an embrace of diversity and religious harmony.
Educational institutes and seminars are needed to produce discussions on these values and to develop the full capacities of people, since every individual posses a unique and significant potential.
Such educational system should include the development of spiritual attitudes and manners. Spiritual development are an essential component in solving the world's complex problems.
And in the debates on globalizations there should be searched for practical ways of adapting spirituality and new ethics.
The educational principes should emphesize on positive thought, view and attitude, and transmit positive values; focussing on finding positive solutions to the dilemma.
Equality in chances and equal opportunities for everyone, leads to inner satisfaction and 'inner peace'. And it is this inner peace which will result in peace and harmony
with our surroundings.
Also, it is the the power of 'similarities' which cause the cohesion.
The 'similarity' between the nations and cultures should get attention, and not the differences between them.
Fostering 'mutual understanding', cooperation and 'global responsibilities' and peace, as well as human rights, humanitarian law, have to be subjects in the curricula of all learning institutions.
Such learning will result in active involvement of society at large, and promote participation in decision-making and social action.
Every member of the society is, as much responsible as the decision makers, political leaders, and the media.
The rapidness of the globalization process has empowered, not just the countries, but also individuals to a new record -the individuals are empowered to collaborate, to operate globally and to change.
And the leaders and the decision makers should understand that leadership is: responsibility and service- global responsibility and global service.
While there is still poverty on the planet- there is no peace; while there is fear- there is no peace; while there is inequality between the rights of men and women- there is no peace; while there is illiteracy- there is no peace; while there is illness- there is no peace....
These problems can not be adequately addressed and solved in isolation from one another.
Bridges should be built between: science and art; ethics and business; government and non governmental actors; old and young, and between the different religions and cultures of the world.
The global society needs its proper management and administration; its proper laws and rules; its proper ethics and values; its proper vision. It needs an integrated approach for our newly realized and increasing interdependance.
'The world peace is not only possible but it is inevitable' (Baha'u'llah).
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