The photo illustrates perfectly how a revolutionary “movement” as a global system can be started, although, it may either boost light -values on goodwill, solidarity, and altruism- or a hard, and negative move that destroys all done.
Is it possible that compassion may impact negatively? Yes, indeed, the wrong implementation may create chaos, and destruction even if it comes from good intentions.
Recently I came across an article* from the Economist, about the concept of “effective altruism”. In the end, is not only about compassion, and high morality but how to make them a driver to change, and not just aligned with “modern values” that instead of impacting effective change, it drive towards global standards that create confrontation instead of being at the service of more cohesion. Besides, is not as simple as the struggle of two contradictory concepts “conservative-modern” but the dangerous goal of erasing cultural values towards a utopian idea that supranational will settle all conflicts.
We are witnessing the incapacity of this strategy to do so, even if we may dream about it. Is indeed an altruistic goal, although with no practical outcomes. Is it true that globalization is meant to unite values, although without erasing global cultural standards that in the end, are creating division -even war-?
If global values are needed is precisely for their power “to glue” diverse cultures, by the combination of action + feelings + principles, and also a boost on tolerance, and patience. A true opportunity to reflect on how, when, and where we can be generous and compassionate enough to contribute to effective and positive change. Not without accepting the challenge to become actively altruist, getting into robust outcomes, not just the utopian -passive- idea of supranational altruism leading by a centralized power.
Taking responsibility on this process is also the courage to work adrift in turbulent seas made from selfishness, and competition, pretending to pilot a big cruise however in a small rowing boat.
There is nothing more powerful than individuals committed to action, moving forward within a weak engine only pilot manually withint the goal to joining with others as the true engine to grow. Surfing the wave of uncertainty, and unreliability that lead the path of the current global crises, suppposes managing your boat and joining with others to fight back anger, hate, and envy from those who do not manage well their negativity, and frustration.
Empowering each other is about delivering strength from a particular small island from challenges and opportunities, not trying to calm down the turbulent oceans. Is precisely the key to pursuing global goals, and tackling local crises.
Is not a good time to wait for changes as in the past or to expect a powerful global “machinery”. A good example of the latest is that the idea of altruism coming from the political sector get exposed by their infectiveness at a time to act, and certainly without proper accountability, and transparency mechanisms.
Is it time for democracy, not to control democratic mechanisms to act in a pervert cycle of dependence and fake authority.
One of the main principles for effective altruism is: “open truth-seeking” which is the deliberation and reflection of our own beliefs. Is about “being open and curious” and most importantly ready to change our views radically if necessary. Is a new mindset on how to approach political crisis and transform it into action.
Harmony will come from an adaptive strategy flexible enough to create each solution to each individual/community, not the other way around.: one solution for all. This is the true challenge, and the wrong perspective adopted by an ambitious and pretending global system.
With no hesitation, globalization brought more information, and sense of common goals,and most importantly, common challenges. However, is it only when you go from local to global that you truly adapt, and become effective.
The SDGs would eventually fail if it become a power-centered resource that does not deliver: building global standards instead of locally tailored solutions. It is important to explore the need to transform values into an effective tool to further local policies, and not a global multi-dimensional source that is proven doesn’t collect global values, yet political interests.
Feeling inserted into a “multi-dimensional” scenario for SDGs represents a feeling rather than a tangible reality. It may be the reason for the slowdown in achieving sustainable goals, which tends to become a process not sustainable in itself.
The confusion on mixing principles, values, and goals in itself, does not help on the road to unity. The capacity to differentiate one to the other is what really matters. Let’s give an example to illustrate the paradox: SDG 17 strategic alliances, one of the most important goals. The principle that guides is solidarity, and the power to build equal relations through knowledge exchange, multi-partnership projects, connections, etc, however, the value that relies on it, is the capacity of each individual to change their behavior, and approach differently from empathy, respect, patience, tolerance, responsibility, commitment, etc.
The invitation for a values-based approach from an individual change in behavior prevents the goal from being achieved as the political process is the one that truly leads.
We may share the same goals or even principles, but we cannot make sure that values are implemented in the same way, as a result, each society adapts the goal to its traditions. Is it then that the contradiction arises because values are not a tool.
The Agenda 2030 goals are shared by many, but not so, on the way to be implemented, because the global goals are not the same as the values, which are only at the personal level, and demand a change to make it happen. The slow down in their development comes when it comes to a personal area of behavior because it enters in contradiction with religions, habits, and traditions.
Altruism is not enough, especially because each community responds from a different focus.
Another goal that illustrates the challenge is SDG5 Gender equality, the best example of how a model that is not based on culture, tradition, and religion can succeed. It is when is realized how much we need to evolve to become truly global, and not furthering “dictatorial global standards” that erase diversity. This is the key: the capacity to apply altruism at the service of democracy, and not a pseudo global system based on the assumption that all values are global in terms of goodwill and solidarity.
Let us all become more global, and altruist, along with effective.
Let us be compassionate as the best way to romantic, and powerfully become in control of our lives in turbulent times for leadership and wrong idea of standardized -no standardizable- values.
*https://www.economist.com/special-report/2024/01/10/the-effective-altruism-movement-is-louder-than-it-is-large
thesustainabilityreader 