(Our January Commentary)
The New World Constitution
The future is up to us. It can come on words whiffing of sweet rose milk: all the world is not at war; the air isn’t completely foul and some of us actually know what we’re doing. Then too it can come later when events have dried our spirits and the future looks deep and futile. On the right side of it now are the ‘Tea Party Movement’ and the populist trends. On the left side is the ‘Occupy Wall Street Movement’ as it springs up in other cities and around the world.
Doubt not that their goals are the same and that only their paths contradict. What weighs upon them most recently is the recognition of an unreasonable wealth disparity which might be seen to be flirting with our restless but still civil spirit. With less of a stretch than we might think, these events might mirror the pre-French Revolution and Britain's "Glorious Revolution" but with a greater potential for devastation. What society does from this point on, basically with these two fronts will decide if we are ready to evolve to the next level or lose a millennium of hard work and progress. Conceivably, if we are lucky, would evolve a ‘New World Constitution’ or some variation of it. Whether it comes today or whether we must suffer ages more of learning its coming is de facto.
The Fortunate
Fortunate are we that no matter how much pain we must endure, we even have the prospect of a global consensus. The Torah, the Koran and the Bible tell us of its coming. The Hindu Vedas and the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism speak to an appropriate philosophical method. What is most important however is that they all speak to an epic of strong, workable ethical content.
Might we then imagine Christians represented by the Pope and other Christian officials; Islam represented by its most important Imams; Judaism represented by a World Council of Rabbis and the Dali Lama and leading Buddhist and Hindus in consensus? Picture them few in number and in a room all sitting around a table. In front of them is a list. On it is described the issues of poverty and economics, hunger, Aids and disease, drought, genocide, slavery, serious cultural bias and more.
Together those few individuals represent over 6 billion of the 7 billion people on this planet. It is a number that transcends all borders; physical, political, religious, cultural and economic. It represents the smartest, most brilliant scientists, inventers, theorists and problem solvers in the world and as well, unthinkable wealth. The rest of us followers would literally move mountains if asked to. Such is the influence and inspiration around that table. Imagine the discussion that might evolve as they look down at that list? The list is minuscule should we be moved to that summit. Expect ideas proportionate to the worlds most infamous discoveries and equally for our dellimmas a ‘New World Constitution’ to be forthcoming.
Unifying and Ascending
With this before us let us mention that there is something unifying and ascending when Muslims are pursued across national borders into the mountains and at the same time the Jewish people and the Palestinians are discouraged from meaningful discourse; and too, when in the beauty of Tibet monks commit self immolation and in Northern Ireland Catholic priests are shot at getting into their cars (Although I have not seen any of this footage myself, I've been told there is some on the BBC network). It is an affront to all organized religion and so leads to a grace almost unthinkable.
In default of a miracle the common principles of ethical responsibility should then emerge connecting all those seated at the table as ethical principles do thread their way through most all religion, philosophy and as well the constitutions of the most successful societies around the world. Or is the event itself the miracle we've been waiting for? We might ask: how can we deny that so much of what we humans aspire to is based upon ethics? Perhaps because we are preoccupied it fixes itself below our vision just beyond our paths of sight.
Perhaps too it is nature’s design evidenced by the Arab Spring, the rumblings in the other points in African, South America, Europe and around the globe? Could it be that our economic and social burdens added to these events and want of an explanation are nature’s way to that summit; a prerequisite to ‘New World Constitution’.
Stirred and Inspired
The question now becomes; what will men be stirred to? This is not the French Revolution or Britain's "Glorious Revolution". This is unlike the scenario surrounding the disproportions of Standard Oil, Gulf or Shell oil of the 1920's or 30's. We already have our version of the "Magna Carta". We have our Joe Louis. Further the great books do not specify a date for the said coming of the Apocalypse and too, warns us of false signs, manipulations and such. If that meeting should happen, what will those seated at the table, and so we, devise to carry us forward and to protect a future so promising it is unimaginable? Imagine the things that will be said at that meeting. In a best case scenario something similar to a ‘New World Constitution’ would no doubt come about. The only question would be; how we will get there and how good we can make it.
I will just note that as an option in view of our socio-economic dilemma, in its very meaning, violence; physical uprisings, riots, armed protest ... depict only destruction. Peaceful protests or inquiries (as massive and physically far ranging as ours are) foster negotiation and allow for compromise and solutions. We demonstrate this peacefully- and those leaders will come to the table on our behalf.
The "World Parliament of Religions"
The World Parliament of Religions was formally established in 1899 by Charles Carroll Bonney and John Henry Barrows. Since then it has met about every five years with its next summit in 2014. Its mission is to accomplish precisely what we have outlined here. What is different between then and now is that today we are again exloring authoritarian and populist altenatives to our problems. Step back, think a minute; is this is progress or digression?
Wars have been fought to remedy fascism, authoritarianism and conditions that denied us the basic human freedoms we now for peace, security and even human essentials seem once more willing to give up. Either that or we are on the brink of a revelation. Now at the beginning of the second millennium and as we turn this important corner in our history we possess uniquely, the opportunity to set a newer human strategy for real growth and progress. Include in that growth and progress: prosperity emphasing fairer opportunity; social empathy and respect for all our sensibilities; then our physical health and longivity and more.
These things form the framework for more than progress but for solid meaningful exploration of human potential; invention and even entitlement for a better future. In 1893 it was the idea of Charles Bonney; in 1899 John Barrows made it a reality and today this summit or something similar is specific for our times representing a most precious opportunity. The choice is up to us.
Proof
To test this themes validity there are tests we can apply. I offer two of them here. The first asks whether or not what you already know to be true and factual will fit into this thesis. If it is valid, your understanding of things; your present knowledge, facts and figures should conform to this thesis convincingly.
Secondly, we might ask ourselves "how do we define a solution as true?" Is it because it solves the problem? If it solves more than one problem is it "truer"? So perhaps because we are all in some way connected and a true solution ripples through not one but many things the original problem influences?
If that is so then consider ethics our the truest solution because it does just that - it goes further to answer every problem we may think of in some way or form, somehow. Could ethics be that same almost unthinkable grace to be drawn from our present desparation; as was Buddha drawn from the dispair of his people's struggle; as was Jesus Christ, Moses and Mohammad drawn up and out of the wretchedness of their followers plight? If we open our eyes we can see it. If we reach out we can touch it. If such is true what should be our course? Should we maybe separate but not exclude the idea of ethics from religion and make it more workable and adaptable and share its magic with our everyday living?
Ethics an old theme written about in all our great books hundreds of years ago. If they were premonitous they did help us find our way but we've much further to go. With age the idea could only have gotten better, perhaps more specific and detailed for our times.
Visit me, Leslie Lox on Facebook where I take further license to propose solutions or steps towards solutions on the issues that affect all of us.
Look for the follow-up to a"New World Constitution" below. It is meant only for discussion and discourse as always.
Again, you are wished the best new year from Potential.
