By: Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi
We are living at a critical moment in our history, a time when humanity must choose its future cautiously as the world is experiencing fundamental global crisis’s including a crisis in global economy, global climate, global degradation of values and respect to all human rights and life forms.
Throughout the world people are suffering from unemployment, poverty, hunger, war, racial discrimination, human right abuse, ethnic and religion conflicts, the abuse of drugs, organized crime, corruption, and a lot more.
This entire global crisis is a crisis which we all share in common. It is not only a problem of a certain country or region but it is a problem of all humanity. To solve this global problem we need a global solution. Each and every one of us needs to be part of the solution by taking action, as per our capacity, as the world can only change when we change.
If everyone does his/ her part, together we can accomplish our common dream which is a better and peaceful world in which all humankind can live in peace and harmony along with nature and all other living beings.
Our world is continuously changing and we can’t remain as we are, nor can we go back to conditions that are now behind us. We can only move forward, but not on the same path which has been leading us into war, conflict, violence, hunger, discrimination, poverty, disrespect, hate etc. We should not go on living in crisis and conflict and rather chose to live with dignity and peace.
The world needs not to remain violent, economically, socially and ecologically unsustainable aswe can progress and achieve harmony, cooperation and a value system that nourishes and sustains us and all things that live on this Earth.
The Golden Rule for such a dignified and peaceful life is a principle that says,‘treat others the way you want to be treated!’ The message is simple, universal and powerful and is the most prevalent and universal moral principle in human history. It has been affirmed in many religions, traditions, indigenous cultures and secular philosophies as a fundamental principle of life and the foundation upon which the base of a ‘Just Society’.
The Golden Rule is not just a moral ideal for relationships between people but also for relationships among nations, cultures, races, sexes, economies and religions. Clearly, it has the capacity to be the ethical cornerstone in developing a Global Ethic as the human family works together to build a peaceful, just and sustainable global society.
As a result of broad-based immigration patterns in recent decades, humanity is moving toward a global society with interaction among peoples in every conceivable way – economic, political, social, ethnic, cultural, technological, and religious. Our shrinking “global village” is evolving into a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. Indeed, we are witnessing the emergence of a global consciousness an increasing number of people are coming to see themselves as members of one family in an interdependent universe.
The Golden Rule, with roots in a wide range of world cultures, is well suited to be a standard to which different cultures could appeal in resolving conflicts. As the world becomes more and more a single interacting global community, the need for such a common standard is becoming more urgent and is endorsed by all the great world religions.
Therefore it is high time for all of us, as citizens of this planet, to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with all living beings and Mother Earth. Every one of us shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of all life on Earth. As much as we claim our right we need also to bear in mind our personal responsibility.
We must recognize that in the midst of magnificent diversity of cultures, religions, ethnicities and race we are part of one human family with a common destiny.
The Global Ethic is a set of universal principles that call upon the wisdom of the world’s many cultures, religions and secular philosophies. Because the Golden Rule is found in so many religions and cultures, it is a key moral ingredient in the development of a Global Ethic
The Golden Rule is also known as the Ethic of Reciprocity. It is considered to be a key reference point for the development of a Global Ethic. The Golden Rule is arguably the most consistent and most prevalent ethical teaching in history. Many regard it as the most concise and general principle of ethics.
It is found in numerous cultures, religions, ethical systems, secular philosophies, and indigenous traditions. And because the Golden Rule crosses so many traditions and philosophies, it possesses tremendous moral authority and reveals a profound unity underlying the diversity of human experience. It is a common denominator of all life on Earth. The Golden Rule also emphasizes values of mutuality, interdependence and reciprocity. Given its omnipresence across history, the Golden Rule could be described as a universal ethical principle.
May Peace, Global Ethic, Golden Rule, Human Right and Social Justice Prevail on Earth!
The author is an Interfaith Dialogue Activist and can be reached at agamuntazir@gmail.com
