As to growing it in others, it is for us to impart a sense of common decency to our families and friends through the power of example. That is where the Christians tend to get it wrong - they think success is measured by number of converts, when the truth is that success is measured by the extent to which they instill that essential moral and ethical behavior in those around them by virtue of their own example, and the extent to which they work actively to build better, more tolerant, more cohesive and resilient communities, and by the extent to which they are conscious of our collective stewardship over the earth and all life it contains.
How many of us, I wonder, know influential people in their local area? How many of us keep abreast of local issues and regularly contact our mayor, councilperson or county commissioner about these issues? How many of us keep track of what our state legislature is doing and contact our legislators regularly? Our governor? And how many of us regularly contact our US Senators and Representative by telephone, letter or email? This is how to walk the walk.
It is more than just politics, because it is possible to take a conservative position on an issue and still be a decent human being, just as it is possible to take a liberal position likewise. The problem is that we have to keep our eye on the prize, and the prize is NOT amassing wealth or power. The prize is instead the power of community, cooperation and the drive to ensure everyone has enough.
At least that is how I believe. As to whether we will actually mature enough as a species to avoid going extinct through war or degradation of the environment, your guess is as good as mine. But we as individuals are not now, not ever excused from fighting the good fight.
Every day.
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