I am seventy-six years old. I have seen and experienced a lot during my life. Some good, some not so good. In my immediate family, it was just myself and my parents; I was an only child. But growing up in Brooklyn, I had aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmothers, grandfathers—you name it.
In a family that big, there were bound to be squabbles, and we were no exception. Whether it was sports, politics, or the culture of the younger or older generation (depending on your age), we had many differences.
But the one common denominator we all shared was love and a feeling of unity. We felt that we were all in this together. Individuals in our family who were feuding from time to time would not hesitate to drop everything and rush to the aid of their antagonist if there was sickness or any problem requiring assistance. A difference in views had nothing to do with the core respect and love they had for one another.
The one thing I liked, and still miss as an adult, was that for the most part, families lived near one another, often with multiple generations living in the same home. While that closeness was awkward at times, it formed an unbreakable bond of love, respect, loyalty, and continuity from one generation to the next. The family’s principles, morality, and values were seamlessly passed on, and children had role models constantly present.
But things started to change as I became an adult. As our country evolved along with our technology, families began to lose the cohesion they enjoyed and started to spread out. With more advanced and affordable transportation, it became easier to move to different parts of the country to pursue career opportunities, and the type of family unit I grew up with began to disappear—along with that feeling of connectivity.
Older relatives who traditionally lived in the same home with their children began to be ushered into facilities created for aging adults.
As technology advanced, the normal human interaction I grew up with became diluted by social media. While digital communication has its benefits, it has also reduced face-to-face interaction. Additionally, the advent of high-powered digital games—many featuring graphic violence—has contributed to the desensitization of our youth and to a society in which human life is not always regarded as precious as it once was.
Media, in particular, seems to glorify violent behavior and confrontation rather than compromise and mutual respect.
Many of these technological “advancements” have helped humanity in some areas, but they have also contributed to separation and a systemic breakdown of morals. When I speak of morals, I am not necessarily referring to religion, although many people’s morality is connected to their faith.
Throughout history, humanity has experienced periods of war and atrocities committed against one another. Sadly, even in modern times, this continues—often in regions lacking freedom and respect for others.
America, once regarded as the “gold standard” for freedom and civility, has begun to regress into a period where little patience is shown for those who see the world differently. Rather than being respected and dignified, they are viewed as enemies. We are slipping into a “tribal” mindset, seeing people as allies only if they share our worldview.
So how do we begin to heal our nation—and apply those same principles to heal our world? We cannot return to a time before technology. As the saying goes, “you cannot unring the bell.”
Still, there are ways to bring our civilization closer together. History shows that greed, lust for power, lack of opportunity, and feelings of low self-worth have fueled the darkest chapters of human existence. These forces have existed since the dawn of humanity. How can we begin to change them?
One place to start is fostering unity and oneness. Society has long emphasized differences rather than similarities. When I was growing up, most families in my neighborhood belonged to a similar middle-income group. We shared a common thread, watched out for one another, and resolved differences with civility.
Today, we live in a world of “haves and have-nots,” where immense wealth exists alongside widespread struggle. Many people work endlessly yet cannot provide their families with the opportunities they see around them. This breeds frustration, disrespect, and survival-mode thinking.
While changing this is a monumental task, it is possible. I have learned that most people are inherently good and caring. Deviations from that goodness often arise when individuals are pushed beyond their limits while trying to care for loved ones.
For the survival of humanity, changes to our national and global systems are necessary. Capitalism has brought prosperity and raised living standards, yet it has also left many behind. In America alone, more people live at the poverty level today than ever before.
Civilization has slowly morphed into a modern caste system where only the wealthy enjoy the full benefits of life. Healing our world means restoring the belief that everyone is equal, deserving of dignity, respect, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Though the challenge seems overwhelming, it is not insurmountable. We must move beyond apathy and recognize that injustice anywhere ultimately affects us all.
Through education, open interaction with diverse cultures and viewpoints, and a deepening of our spiritual awareness, we can remember that we are here to support and love one another. As human beings, we cannot reach our full potential alone—but together, in unity, anything is possible.