Just Exposure
"Kings and tyrants have armed guards wherewith to chastise certain persons, though they be themselves evil. But to the Cynic conscience gives this power - not arms and guards. When he knows that he has watched and laboured on behalf of mankind : that sleep hath found him pure, and left him purer still : that his thoughts have been the thought of a Friend of the Gods - of a servant, yet of one that hath a part in the government of the Supreme God: that the words are ever on his lips: - Lead me, O God, and thou, O Destiny!" The Golden Sayings of EpictetusNot everyone believes in a Divine Presence, a god, but throughout the history of humankind most people have expressed a faithful need of the spirit, a belief in a Divine Spirit. This belief is a persistent one, obviously fulfilling a true and subliminal need for most people. As such it has great value in society. For if so many people believe in the existence of an essence of such sublime value that to it is attributed the very existence of the universe and those that people it, it must be respected.
And it has been respected, and used as a tool with which to condition populations. God inspires people to act in the interests of all; to behave circumspectly, honestly with integrity, and with an openness of heart toward all. Nature instructs us otherwise, quite often, as our positive emotions struggle with our negative instincts. Eventually, a balance is found that brings us closer to the bidding of God, enabling us to live together in communal peace.
That is, within a geographic area which encompasses others of our own ethnic tribes and traditions. There are other beliefs, other gods, other traditions and historical realities. And if we are to learn eventually and with great hope in the future, to live together in peace on a more universal scale, it would be helpful if we were given the opportunity to learn as much as we can about others; other religions, societies, traditions.
And taught rationally to offer respect, empathy and care for all. In the final process attempting to go well beyond our instinctual responses that nature has equipped us with when we lived in a smaller/larger, less communicative, discrete world system. When we were emerging societies, tribes, agricultural communities and emerging cultures. We seek to transcend our original attributes which aided our survival in a hostile world.
The human construct of a group of godlike otherwordly creatures looking down upon mere mortals, controlling them, demanding obeisance, answered the many confusing questions mankind wondered of in confronting nature. The eventual graduation toward a single, signal Holy Spirit devoted to mankind, and toward which mankind devoted itself and in whose honour struggled to contain baser instincts made us more socially developed creatures.
If, in developed and developing countries children can be exposed during their more learning receptive years, to other traditions, cultures and religions, each presented equally and fairly, it's possible that a mindset can be cultivated that becomes equable to, not hostile to, differences. This would assist children in understanding the universal principles of ethical behaviour and social morality.
With the proviso that some elemental truths cannot be misunderstood by relating them to positions taken by other cultures. Moral and ethical relativism in a pluralistic society creates confusion, unfairness and resentment. This is the dilemma inherent in treating each culture, social tradition, religion equally, but one that can be surmounted by good minds coming together in planning for enlightened education of the young.
It's a challenge, one that will be resented and opposed by self-interested groups, whether they represent ideologies, cultures, ethnic identities, religions. It may represent, in its scope and aspirations, an experiment beyond the capabilities of current societies to fulfil. But it is worth thought, and it is worth implementing on a gradual, experimental scale.
Are there any other ways worthwhile considering to assist in helping the young emerging into responsible adulthood to recognize themselves in others?
Labels: Environment, Human Fallibility, Realities
posted by Pieface @ Sunday, November 04, 2007
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