Can things get better?

I glance out the window this moment, and yearn for a better future. The injustices of the world, the destruction being wrought daily, all these things are committed by those who would call themselves human beings: human beings who seem to have lost their humanity. As a Buddhist I am ashamed to admit it, but my mind has often yearned for such things as material wealth and greed, even though I see that these very yearnings are to blame for the inequity present in our society. I fear that these things are written into the genetic code of humanity, that in our evolutionary history, the very instincts that ensured our survival in nature are to blame for our selfishness in society. Is it instinctive for us to compete with one another, to horde our possessions and wealth regardless of the fact that our needs have been met? Is it instinct that has shaped our societies to cater to the desires of and to protect the positions of the elitist few? Those with the most power and wealth do everything to ensure their positions remain constant. They enjoy their privileged positions, and yet, I cannot blame them, if I were in their position I fear I would do the same. If we could only go beyond this instinctive greed, and realize that cooperation yields more benefits than selfishness, then this world would not be so cruel. While the elitist few control the wealth and the power, however, cooperation seems but a distant dream. For equality and cooperation threaten the very things that they strive to uphold: privilege and power.

wow, interesting, thought-provoking post, fff. 🙂 I too, desire a more stable world with less violence, less starvation, more progressive (global) human rights; less selfishness and greed for the power-hungry elite...If only one person goes hungry, that's still too many, in my book. I think greed is the progression of the more natural human instinct of 'need.' As human beings, we need, we protect, we find, 'we survive.' Fine. However, when and why the focus then shifts to greed, is the bigger question? I believe greed becomes a part of human nature only when 'Want' joins the party. Could this be natural human-instinct, hardwired in the nether regions of our more primitive brains; that when needs become more and more fulfilled; wants soon take over? Maybe not for all, but perhaps for many. I have pondered this question from time to time, as well. Though, beyond genetics and evolution, humans do have 'willpower & hope' at their disposal; so we must not only fight for, but make real/practical improvements along the way. And to never give up that "hope" ..for our future generations are depending on us greatly.

Another question; does the 'capitalist society' mind-set help in increasing greed, perhaps by showing people what they "need" in order to be cool or fit in, or what everyone else will be doing so they must do it too? Does our society instil wants in us, everyday? Or is 'Greed & Selfishness' a whole different entity unto itself; where responsibility for our own actions stop at our own front doors? (so many cultural variables as well, to consider)

Surely, life and pleasures are to be enjoyed, as from the hard work and sweat of our brows and determination; I agree with you there, solitas. People shouldn't feel guilty for what is earned or what they are proud to have in life. True. And there are many many wonderful, altruistic rich people in the world, as well. We are all human. You also make a good point, on 'selfless vrs selfish' kinds of love. I agree, there has to be that balance between the bully/victim mentality.

"First of all equality is overrated. We are not all equal, some of us are smarter, better looking, physically stronger, stronger willed, etc than others. Forcing or wishing for equality is terrible because it drags everyone down to the lowest "equal" level."

As for this statement of equality; I'm not so clear or in agreement with. Short of the hardened criminals of our society, I do believe everyone is equal. Nobody 'is better' than someone else. If all it takes is wealth, status, being bigger or stronger or better looking, then I shake my head in disblief and disappointment. A person may be bigger, richer or more strong-willed, that is true; but it doesn't make them better. As for beauty, that is more in the *eye of the beholder*. All this kind of thinking does is cause more seperation and division, in our society, and who needs that. We should never judge, because someone has and someone else doesn't. We should instead be judging others more on the character and content of their heart. This is what is lasting and forever, and what others will remember of us, when we're long gone. None of us can take our riches or material possessions with us, either..everyone ends up in the same place, in the end. God makes no distinction here. Also, equality is NOT about inhibiting people, or holding them back. I don't see the correlation here. It's not about changing the way of life of another for someone else. It's basically more about global awareness in general, staying aware, and appreciating that there are others in the world that are not so fortunate. They don't want to take from anyone, they just want to basically eat and survive to the next day..

"Human beings are born with free will."

Yes, free will, hope, determination and responsibility unto ourselves to be the best we can be, and in return, be that much stronger and good example for others. 🙂

"Do you even know anyone with power and wealth?"

I come from a fairly wealthy family, so I guess.

"Change starts with you."

And you, too. ^____~

Free will is limited btw.

Thanks for the kind words guys; it's really appreciated! It's always wonderful to be able to share and bounce ideas and passions around on these message boards. Alot can be realized and gained too, by listening to other's points of view, as well. I too very much enjoy my exchanges with solitas; you can certainly sense his own passion and conviction on numerous topics. He's alot of fun & well-informed on many subjects, certainly does his homework! You respect that. I very much respect too, how healthcare is so very close to his heart, and wish him much success in realizing his future dreams.

"Never give up!" - Winston Churchill"
btw, love the quote quo vadis, so very true indeed! 😉

"Oh just so you know...I actually agree with some of the points you both made but I'm playing devil's advocate."

Same here solitas, some of my questions were rather open-ended too, to help inspire; maybe search varying points of view..

I also agree, the importance of nuturing the future Einsteins, Edisons, and Michelangelo's of the world can't be stressed enough, either.

We can create a better future for ourselves and those that follow in our foot steps but most people especially those in power go about achieving it in the wrong way. You can't regulate or legislate humans into a better world which is how the strategy is unfolding.

It originates at personal responsibility and moral conviction. It comes from freedom and the personal choice of using that freedom for self betterment and the betterment of those around us. It comes from understanding, not fear. As long as individuals are looking to others to improve their position, as long as individuals feel 'entitled' it is not possible. It has to be earned by everyone and in a way that promotes choosing it, not being forced into it.

Of course, the biggest problem is that each individuals concept of a "better world" is completely subjective and comes from their limmits of understanding and acceptance of inherant truths regarding humanity and the world we live in. It does not come from regulating and limmiting freedoms to level the playing field so to speak, it comes from maximizing freedoms and then striving and teaching those around us to understand the issues we face and accepting the personal responsibility to do the right thing in the face of those issues. Not the thing they want. A lot of us, everyone no matter how objective we are base their understanding of a perfect society off of subjective personal desires and feelings. The truth is, a perfect world requires an objective understanding. What pleasures you is not necissarily good for you, what you want is not necissarily what you need and getting what what is good for you and what you need does not come from convincing others you need it, it comes from living those values and letting the way you live your life speak for itself.

Gun control does not prevent crime, it just changes the way in which crime is carried out.
Welfare does not prevent poverty, it just prevents those in poverty from realizing prosperity.
....so on and so forth.

Everything comes down to the individual and the choices they make. It is that simple. You can not sympathize someone into realizing their true potential, you can not politicaly correct someone into becomming more tactful and understanding. You may not be able to undue the choices you have made so far, but you can chose to change the way you make them in the future. We can help someone without taking from someone else for it is only through them choosing to help themselve