Ideas on Saving Civilization: Here Are a Few

The women of Africa, Beads for Life

A small house in Venice

Take what you need and leave the rest.
Al Anon

It sometimes seems that the world is divided into Roman attitudes and Catholic attitudes. "The Romans are the rich and powerful...run things their way, must always accrue more because they instinctively believe there will never be enough to go around; the catholics, as their name implies are universalists who instinctively believe that all humanity makes one family, that every human being is equal...and God will provide." Thomas Cahill

I foolishly thought this was a ferry, no just some rich dude's individual yacht

Sigh. My hope and desire for change for this world, as I have expressed in other posts, is not so black and white. It's silly to say: you must choose, it's either the view of Romans or just the beliefs of catholics. A "both/and" mentality works for me and I see it as more helpful. For example, the truth is there is more than enough to go around [money, food] and as every kindergartner is taught, we need to share. I believe that there are limited resources on earth, eg. over fishing and driving some animals to extinction, and so we should cherish, respect and protect our earth. 

On the Catholic side I'll go with all humanity is one family [DNA can connect us all], we are all equal [think of babies in a nursery, then decide, who is better, who is worse...] but God does not always provide. Sadly, there are still people in this vast world of ours, through no fault of their own, who are starving or have no access to clean water, or are living in a constant battlefield. Really, no matter how hard they worship or pray they are going to need some help from humans who have the ability to come to their aid. I believe that you might have to defend yourself against the powerful and especially the bullies---unlike what the poor, peace loving little monks did. However, prior to battle first use diplomacy, intelligence, kindness, firmness and persuasion. I believe we cannot keep senselessly over populating the earth and it is our privilege to disseminate birth control to any family that wants it. I believe that it is obscene the amount of money that a very few have particularly those who [unlike the Gates's] are unwilling to share. Examples: CEOs, entertainers, bankers, drug lords, money launderers and our sportsmen, all of these people make thousands of percentages more than the average worker. Whatever happened to noblesse oblige? 

The women of Africa are going to save that country.     Jane Ricketts

Now, am I seriously suggesting that the wealthy should wrap up $100 or $1000 bills and mail them off to families in need? [Although if they did so to a needy family anonymously, how cool is that?] No. However, they could help with the scholarships or the infrastructure or giving tools and building schools to enable children and adults who most require it, to have an education. The 'teach a man/woman to fish and he/she will feed himself forever' philosophy strikes me as the best for most of the civilization. 

To name one country that is in serious need, let's focus on Africa. Currently there are many worthwhile organizations doing a wonderful job of helping in Africa [Doctor's without Borders, etc.]. Last year one of my dear friends, who frequently volunteers in Africa, came to our community with "Beads for Life" just prior to Thanksgiving. With joy the community responded buying all of the lovely earrings, necklaces and bracelets that the women of Uganda had crafted for sale. Those who weren't interested in jewelry gave money. Here's a plus: statistically those who are generous are the happiest people.

Why am I on such a tear about giving? I just read an article about people from many different countries who purchased $124 million condos in London [where money laundering is rampant]. I was disgusted and figured that money could have propped up several small countries in Africa. Pocket change for these people. Can you spell narcissism?

Granted, we have a lot of lovely, generous, good people who do set up foundations and help the needy. But like the narrow minded Romans we also have too many selfish, greedy, dishonest people running the world. I am hoping that the world could be run by the people that have a leaning toward generosity, bravery, peace, honesty and fairness. The people who promote learning and reading, giving and being industrious. The Nelson Mandellas, the Gandhis, the Benizer Bhuttos and the little Malalas of this world who understand that you have to be so very brave and stick up for what you believe in---- even if it costs you your life.

I'd love to hear your ideas. Thanks for reading.

susansmagicfeather copyright 2014 Susan R. Grout all rights reserved