We Need a Global Bump in Selflessness
Humanity faces a critical juncture marked by escalating living costs, widespread poverty, environmental disasters, social injustice, and ongoing wars. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive strategy supported by both financial resources and collective will. At the core of many of these challenges is a fundamental issue: ego. A sense of entitlement, when unchecked, fosters exclusion, territoriality, and a disregard for the well-being of others and the environment. Can we fix ego?
We all have an ego. It plays a crucial role in the development of a healthy self-identity, essential for children learning to navigate the world, but its unchecked expansion leads to selfishness and suffering. It is crucial to manage and moderate ego-driven behaviors as individuals transition into adulthood.
Selflessness provides a powerful counter to ego-driven behavior. We all know people who practice selflessness. There is the man who snow shovels the laneway of his elderly neighbour, and the teacher who buys supplies for her underprivileged students. Yet, to address our global crisis effectively, we need to scale selflessness to a broader level.
Historically, some political leaders have exemplified egolessness and its positive impact. Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent resistance during the Indian independence movement, for instance, inspired figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. In contrast, ego-driven leaders, such as Donald Trump, have prioritized personal gain over collective well-being. Trump’s behavior, characterized by boastfulness and a refusal to acknowledge defeat, exemplifies the dangers of unchecked ego. His actions following the 2020 election, including incitement to insurrection, underscore the risks associated with egotistical leadership.
Until recently, Joe Biden was Trump’s opponent in the presidential race. Biden has an ego too. He has been in politics for five decades and is confident. He took down Trump and wanted to do it again. His ego was locked in for the fight. Never mind that he was 81 years old and blew the debate. Ignore the polls showing him failing nationally and in key states. His colleagues knew better. Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, they tapped Biden on the shoulder, it was time to step down. For more than three weeks, Biden held out. Only the “Lord Almighty” could get him to drop out.
Biden had a moment of enlightenment. “If we were going to do it, what would we say?” he asked his advisors. He stepped down and endorsed Kamala Harris. He proved himself the anti-Trump. This choice garnered a wave of support for Harris, record level fundraising, and a reverse in the polls. Thank you, Joe Biden. You are an example of egolessness to everyone.
The potential for Harris to win in the upcoming election represents a positive development for global progress, but additional efforts are necessary. We need a global bump in selflessness. Achieving this might seem challenging, but it is feasible with the right approach. Research by political scientist Erica Chenoweth at Harvard University indicates that as little as 3.5% of a population engaged in non-violent civil disobedience can drive significant political change. We can do that.
Selflessness does not require grand gestures; rather, it involves everyday acts of kindness and generosity. Listening to someone in distress, visiting the elderly, volunteering in community settings are all steps towards fostering a more compassionate world. Together we can turn this dark corner and make a more equitable and compassionate world. Shine, good souls.
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Published on August 18, 2024
Updated on December 11, 2024