" We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away.... We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, Former US President, 1945.
This is an interesting concept that has been discussed frequently amongst many of the scholarly population. Is it true that living dependent upon each other is beneficial, or should we be looking at ways to become independent and more self-sustaining? I tend to agree with the later of the two. If each of us where to look for ways to become separate from one another our environment would be of better status and, quite frankly, people would be much happier for it. I am not saying that globalization is completely negative, but to date, it has not proved to be beneficial for our well being and that of our environment. Now, when
Roosevelt was speaking towards this concept, it was after great victory and of when the world came together for good to dispel evil from it. Now our only evil is that of ourselves. To dispel that takes much self-reflection and time. To truly understand how to go about cleansing us of ourselves individuals must look to see what they think they value and ideals of how to accomplish maintaining these value. Soon enough, most people will. Today may not be the end of the world, but you never know when it may come. Could you leave it the way it is now? As you are now?
I like how you look at the disadvantages on interdependence. Although I disagree with some of your points, I respect them and understand where you are coming from.
ReplyDeleteWe are all corrupt, and this new interdependence, and therefore pressure to conform, will only increase this. By isolating (not completely, but by becoming independent and introspective) ourselves we can learn more about the human experience, and come to respect Earth and that which others do to provide us with the lifestyles we have become accustomed to.