Increasing Disorder in the World

Increasing Disorder in the World

Why is there such an increase in disorder in the world, especially among the youth? Western examples are, on the small scale, escalating violence between girls, and on the large scale the riots in England.

Of course there are many contributing factors, but we need to simplify and look at the major influences, ignoring complications such as the increasing use of technology – since these powerful new tools can always be used for good or bad.

Increasingly, education has been about developing the intellect of children, but not teaching appropriate use of the intellect. That is, our young are lacking in moral and spiritual education. This will be discussed later.

The vacuum left by the weakening of religion, which for all its faults was the greatest means for the pacification and disciplining of humanity, has been effectively filled by the mass media, especially by a bombardment of messages of one’s need to have the latest goods, and of “labelled” goods.

Religion has to an extent been responsible for its own demise, as its descent into superstition, and failure to interpret the scriptures symbolically to accord with evident science, has encouraged many in the western civilisation at least to conclude that all that is worthy of regard is detectable by the senses, and therefore scientific experiment. This is the true definition of materialism, a creed causing great destruction to our civilisation. How often do we hear it said in the media, that man is just an animal, except with an opposable thumb and a larger brain? 

“Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness and justice, of tranquillity and peace cease to shine.”

            (Baha'u'llah)

Do we instruct our children and youth that the reality of man is his truthfulness, trustworthiness, kindness, dignity and compassion, and all the other qualities which lead to the building of civilisation, and which were originally promoted by each religion?  Without these qualities, we are lower than animals.

We have left our youth adrift, believing that life’s enjoyment is about ownership of things, and personal pleasure seeking a priority. And now, many have no prospect of work, their benefits are being reduced or stopped, and tertiary education intakes of students cut back, so they cannot be educated into the jobs that are available. We are all given the ability to discern true values for ourselves fortunately, but how many more would attain true wealth if living in a supportive culture?

Discerning a True Leader

Discerning a True Leader

Discerning a True Leader

In order to make the distinction between an authentic leader and a false one, it is necessary to look for certain qualities and characteristics in the individual. As pressures grow on populations around the world, there is a tendency to look for a “strong” leader, and to consider radical methods for change, thus moving away from the old “tried and true”.

A false leader is likely to make passionate and radical statements that lead to his/her popularity in difficult times, but such ascendancy is fortunately short-lived, though considerable damage can be done in a short space of time (remember the Second World War!). Radical statements can be divisive and can be used to portray certain sections of society as the cause of one’s miseries, resulting in racial, economic, religious, or other groups being blamed for societal deterioration.  Truth will be very much manipulated to suit the circumstances, but the detached observer, who does not get caught up in the passions provoked by oratory, will notice untruths, or at least half-truths mixed with falsehoods. Examples abound in the politicians of this day in all countries.

One key-identifier of a false leader is the offer of a “quick-fix” for community problems.

An authentic leader, a real statesman, will be detached as regards personal position, seeking only to serve and ensure the progress of the community. Though also a “strong” leader, the strength exhibited is of a different kind. The individual expresses his or herself with restraint yet is inspirational, identifies and describes a process that leads to a gradual improvement of circumstances, in contrast to the “quick-fix”, and allows for minor setbacks along the way. For this true leader, truthfulness and trustworthiness will in no way be sacrificed for political expediency, yet cooperation and compromise will also be employed.

“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues”  (Bahá’u’lláh)

Some may say this is an impossible ideal, and it is true that we all have imperfections, but think of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.  A noteworthy characteristic of theirs was personal sacrifice. Consider that sacrifice is giving up something that is lesser for something that is greater. That could be physical comfort for intellectual and spiritual growth and fortitude.

The present day true leader can never contradict certain principles that especially apply to the age in which we now live, such as the equality of people of whatever sex, race, or religion. That is, by belonging to one group by no means gives ascendancy over other social groups, and no such group is responsible for all the difficulties in society. We all have certain human rights.

The heaven of statesmanship is made luminous and resplendent by the brightness of the light of these blessed words which hath dawned from the dayspring of the Will of God: It behoveth every ruler to weigh his own being every day in the balance of equity and justice and then to judge between men and counsel them to do that which would direct their steps unto the path of wisdom and understanding. This is the cornerstone of statesmanship and the essence thereof. From these words every enlightened man of wisdom will readily perceive that which will foster such aims as the welfare, security and protection of mankind and the safety of human lives.

                                                                        (Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah)