Hopes and Fears
2012/1/30
This forum questions your hopes and fears for the future.
More people have been lifted out of poverty in the twentieth century than at any other period in recent history. Yet, at the same time, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening at an alarming rate. (An American CEO now earns 120 times more than an average employee; in the 1900s it was 20 times.)
We have already crossed the safety zone for a number of ecological planet boundaries (see our blog of October 28), in particular those of global warming, loss of biodiversity, and the nitrogen content in soils and water. Yet, at the same time, ecological consciousness has significantly increased in people’s minds.
In some countries like the United States, narcissistic individualism has dramatically proliferated over the last 30 years. Yet, at the same time, the number of NGOs dedicated to serve those in need has also vastly increased.
Most large financial companies continue their devious schemes and reckless risk-taking while their CEOs continue to pocket obscenely high bonuses. Yet, at the same time, more and more people feel that this must stop and call for a change of vision towards honesty and "voluntary simplicity."
We kill 150 billion land animals and 1.5 trillion marine animals every year for our consumption. Yet, the movement for "Animal Liberation" is growing steadily.
At this period of time, we are witnessing a mixture of light and shadow.
We would like to pose two questions to you: What are your main concerns, and what is your main source of hope for the future?
Matthieu Ricard
1
* main concern to raise awareness in all fronts developing mindfulness
* meditation and all performative wisdoms can be the source for the changes that are there already raising
1
My concerns... my responsibility when it comes to the worldwide battle for clean air, clean water, food, shelter, peace, especially for the poor.
Who sells guns to oppressive regimes? United States companies do. Who dropped atomic bombs? The U.S. Good politicians are being driven out of the U.S. Congress by corporate schills/extreme capitalists who do not worry about people or the environment, who just go on and on about god and patriotism. They want no accountability or regulation... to strip the earth... my concerns my responsibility...
my concerns growing older, not learning how to love good enough, failing at patience and engagement
main source of hope... beauty, beauty of the earth, kindness, unbiden joy, friendship, love affection, peace, morning, water, a lake, a river, an ocean, a sail on the ocean, calm stil water and storms, good people
3
My main concerns are that people living in the West often cannot see that the suffering they constantly endure is avoidable, and that some would benefit from reading M Ricard's book, "Happiness", but have yet to do so!
I hope that people learn to turn inward to be fulfilled and happy. I know a wonderful person who is constantly serene, joyful and altruistic. She is troubled from time to time, but she is sure that her peace lies within her, not from external sources. She is an inspiration to me.
I have been quite troubled in the last few years with self imposed suffering - mainly anger and resentment. Trying to learn to be altruistic is a source of contentment to me - an antidote to the poisons of the mind. I wish serenity and peace to everyone.
Thank you M Ricard, I have bought several of your books, but "Happiness" many times - I just keep meeting people who I give it to!
DC