The presents we now have
From the dawn of time, humans had to work to make this world a better place.
In many places in the world today, humans are far better off than at any time in the past, in terms of personal security and peace, access to clean water and food, medical services that can heal many ailments that in the past would cause unsolvable pain and death.
People today have power that would be unimaginable magic for most of human existence: instant video communication with any part of the world, travel and flight, tremendous computational power in our pocket smartphones, access to enormous libraries of knowledge, automatic execution of tedious tasks (such as laundry and food preparation), and much more.
This progress was possible thanks to human imagination, ingenuity, creativity, talent, diligence, courage, collaboration, determination, and other positive qualities.
We can indeed be very grateful for all the wonderful things we have today.
More needs to be done
Of course, there is still much that needs to be done to make this world closer to the ideal of Heaven on Earth:
Eradicating poverty, curing diseases, ensuring opportunities for education and personal growth to all people, preserving our natural habitat, fostering a culture of peace and understanding among people and nations, and replacing brutal dictators and corrupt governments by democratized participatory governing by a well-informed citizenry.
A positive future
The future is not something that simply happens to us; it’s something we create with every action we take, every invention we design, and every dream we dare to dream. We believe that with a vision of progress and wellbeing, we can improve our world so that the basic needs of every individual are met, and every person has the chance to thrive.
In this envisioned future, technology will continue to advance, but in harmony with nature. Renewable energy sources will be fully integrated into our cities, making them cleaner and more sustainable. The air will be free from pollution, and vast green spaces will be abundant, providing a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife.
Education will be revolutionized by personalized learning experiences adapted to the learning style of each student. Students and teachers will collaborate to create a harmonious educational environment where mutual help is valued instead of competition. Everyone will be educated to exercise critical thinking and open mindedness. This will unlock the potential within every child and adult, allowing them to contribute their unique talents to society.
Healthcare will be proactive and preventive, with a deeper understanding of genetics leading to personalized medicine that can extend quality of life and eradicate diseases that have long troubled humanity.
Economically, there will be a shift towards a new system which is more fair and sustainable, where the benefits of technological advancements can be shared by all. Work will not be a struggle for survival, but a way to contribute to society in meaningful ways, with ample time for leisure, family, and personal development.
In the social sphere, people will be educated for mutual respect of each other, without discrimination and exploitation, leading to a more peaceful and cooperative world.
The path forward
All of these improvements will require collaboration on a large scale. It will take the commitment of individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governments. It will take education, ethical leadership, and a willingness to invest in long-term solutions.
There will be challenges along this path to a bright future, but the potential rewards for humanity are immense. It is a future worth striving for, and it starts with the belief that we can achieve it, followed by the concerted efforts to make it a reality.
We stand on the shoulders of great individuals and cultures who came before us, who have overcome obstacles and paved the way for the progress we enjoy today. Now, it is our turn to create a more desired world for current and future generations, a world that truly reflects the best of what it means to be human.