Put an end to sectarian selfishness

- through Sophie Solere

Published on

Or how to learn to act together.

Imagine a damaged boat in which it would be necessary to use all the power of the machines to pump the water from the holds. But first-class passengers want to continue using the air conditioning and other facilities, while second-class passengers are only concerned about being upgraded to first. Soon everyone is sinking, having used or attempted to use the air conditioning for a few more hours, instead of all being saved. On a normal boat, a captain takes the necessary measures to prevent sinking. Here the passengers insisted on being their own bosses.

The current approach to the environment, climate change and other pressing challenges of our time (disarmament, regulating the greed that drives the free market economy, etc.) is that of tribes fighting over usufruct and ownership of a sinking ship, of a burning forest and a ticking time bomb.

The heads of state behaved like the chiefs of great tribes. Some may be wiser than others, but they have little influence over other tribes, sometimes even over their own tribe.

Global problems can only be dealt with by transnational institutions. In a global world, heads of state should play the role of provincial governors who administer local affairs and defer decisions to a transnational authority when the fate of the whole world is at stake.

Nobody wants it? GOOD. So swim now.

photo of author

Sophie Solere

Sophie Solère is an economic and social journalist who has been interested for years in the environment and interdependence. She works for Buddhist News, a media platform dedicated to Buddhist spirituality and wisdom. By practicing yoga and meditative dance, Sophie discovered the power of spiritual journeys, which offer so many paths to (re)find yourself. She is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories and valuable advice on spiritual practice and the environment with Buddhist News readers.

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