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Ascendant · 06-12-2007, 08:52 PM

There is little need to consider the meaning of perfection or the idea of a perfect world. The word itself is almost undefinable, and no two people will agree to every detail on what a "perfect" utopia will look like.

What we can consider, however, is how to make a better world: to choose the best of all available futures. If you wish to do this, as I do, then you need to start with some basic questions.

What is? (that is, what is the current state of everything? what is going on it the world right now?)

How did it happen? (how did what we have come from what existed before? how did the past lead to the present?)

What should be? (what is the best of all possible futures? what sort of world do we want to create?)

How do we get there? (how can we use the lessons we have learned from the past, combined with our knowledge in the present, to effect change and bring about the future we seek?)

In context of changing the world, the answers to these questions will take tremendous knowledge and wisdom; both from individuals and from the groups that seek to act in this direction.

Consider what has been before and you will see that in order to set the world on the path to the best possible future, you will need great persuasive powers, great knowledge, and great wisdom. So how do you save the world?

By dedicating yourself to that path, and seeking to learn all you can about the way things are, the way things have been, and the way things should be. Dedicate yourself to learning the skills you will need. Study history and politics, spirituality and science, literature and philosophy. Also keep in mind that none of these things can be learned in a vacuum; you need experience as well as book knowledge. Study what you can and go out into the world to gain experience.

In the process you should begin to create a framework for your chosen path. If you will need wealth to transform the world, gather wealth. If you will need respect and prestige, earn it. If you need followers, recruit them. Along the way you will meet others with the same goals. Join up with them and create a shared vision. (Overused as that term is, it is still important to have one when working for a common goal.) It is also important not to allow one's ego to get in the way; I have struggled with this myself.

And all the while, remember to be your best self; to be, as Ghandi said, the change you want to see in the world.

It will not be easy. But nothing worthwhile is.

06-12-2007, 08:52 PM	#36 (permalink)
Ascendant Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1	There is little need to consider the meaning of perfection or the idea of a perfect world. The word itself is almost undefinable, and no two people will agree to every detail on what a "perfect" utopia will look like. What we can consider, however, is how to make a better world: to choose the best of all available futures. If you wish to do this, as I do, then you need to start with some basic questions. What is? (that is, what is the current state of everything? what is going on it the world right now?) How did it happen? (how did what we have come from what existed before? how did the past lead to the present?) What should be? (what is the best of all possible futures? what sort of world do we want to create?) How do we get there? (how can we use the lessons we have learned from the past, combined with our knowledge in the present, to effect change and bring about the future we seek?) In context of changing the world, the answers to these questions will take tremendous knowledge and wisdom; both from individuals and from the groups that seek to act in this direction. Consider what has been before and you will see that in order to set the world on the path to the best possible future, you will need great persuasive powers, great knowledge, and great wisdom. So how do you save the world? By dedicating yourself to that path, and seeking to learn all you can about the way things are, the way things have been, and the way things should be. Dedicate yourself to learning the skills you will need. Study history and politics, spirituality and science, literature and philosophy. Also keep in mind that none of these things can be learned in a vacuum; you need experience as well as book knowledge. Study what you can and go out into the world to gain experience. In the process you should begin to create a framework for your chosen path. If you will need wealth to transform the world, gather wealth. If you will need respect and prestige, earn it. If you need followers, recruit them. Along the way you will meet others with the same goals. Join up with them and create a shared vision. (Overused as that term is, it is still important to have one when working for a common goal.) It is also important not to allow one's ego to get in the way; I have struggled with this myself. And all the while, remember to be your best self; to be, as Ghandi said, the change you want to see in the world. It will not be easy. But nothing worthwhile is. Last edited by Ascendant; 06-12-2007 at 09:13 PM.