Can we change the world as we know it?

Share your imagination, hopes and vision.

from JoeUser Forums
Q: What is your vision of the perfect world...?
Nevermind how we got there for the moment.....only describe as you imagine it the world you would like to see in the future....the world you want to live in.
And please feel free to use your imaginations, people, and step out of the boundary of our world today and tell us your unique vision.....
misc
19,955 views 28 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
In response to the question, "can we change the world as we know it? I say yes. Can we ever have a perfect world, one where peace and harmony exist and no one lacks? Not in the world as we know it today...or ever.

Nice thoughts, but ultimately unachievable. I figure the world is going to be hanging on till the end, never achieving the "perfection" that people hope for . I'll settle for a safe home for as many as possible, food and health for the same. Our Ideals will not be achieved in this life.....I think "heaven" in whatever definition of the word you choose to believe in is the only way it could be achieved.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Perfect world -
where I can have my own space,
where I can go anywhere without fear of harm,
where I can speak without fear of being condemned,
where I can ask questions without fear of being called stupid,
where I won't ever go hungry.
where I can learn any skill I want to.

That's all i want.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I do not believe perfection is something that is achieavable in this life.

My idea of a better world would be one where no one is forced to live for the benefit of another. Nobody is given anything, they earn it in whatever way that they can. Fear not for the people who can not provide for themselves because in my world they would not exist.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
YES...we can change the world if we only live the life of a person that wants to. If we lock ourselves away and ignore the problems around us nothing will change. If we are an active part of a community we will influence others in that community. Man is a social creature...he can do wonders.
I live in Israel. I just spent 3 days in Palestine as a guest of a family that I love as my own. The purpose of this visit was to be the Godfather of a new baby boy, to hold him while he was ritually circumcised. This is a practice that Jews and Muslims both adhere to.
For me as a Jew to take part in a Muslim religious ceremony during these days of war and strife is unusual; but no one or anythng could have stopped me. As I said, These people are like family.
So, this little action of mine, totally non political,just might have opened the eyes of a few people on both sides.
So, back to the main point, if we live our lives and try to set an example of how thing could or should be, the world eventually will change.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Lifehappens,

Nice thoughts, but ultimately unachievable

Doomed to fail before you've even begun. You have to believe it is achievable and give hope to your self and others to make it a possibility......don't give up without even trying. When you tell yourself something can be done....you are half way there.

Please, Lifehappens, change your mindset....I'm telling you now that it can and it will.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ravenblack,

Perfect world -
where I can have my own space,
where I can go anywhere without fear of harm,
where I can speak without fear of being condemned,
where I can ask questions without fear of being called stupid,
where I won't ever go hungry.
where I can learn any skill I want to.

That's all i want.

And that's as modest as what most people do want.....sure there are others who strive to do and have and be more.....but ultimately I believe most of us want exactly what you have written, Ravenblack.

I like where you are coming from...oh Humble gentleman.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
FreeMark,

Fear not for the people who can not provide for themselves because in my world they would not exist.

You're entitled to your opinion, FreeMark, but don't you think that's a little harsh.........So....let's see.....I guess we wouldn't have any retirement homes in your world......no intellectually disabled, perhaps, either.....Think about the details to your vision, FreeMark, is that really what you would want?
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
Manopeace,

YES...we can change the world if we only live the life of a person that wants to. If we lock ourselves away and ignore the problems around us nothing will change. If we are an active part of a community we will influence others in that community. Man is a social creature...he can do wonders.
Exactly....it's not going to change itself.....and the world has been led in the wrong direction for far too long....it's never too late to change.

but no one or anythng could have stopped me. As I said, These people are like family.

It is so reasuring to hear of this....I don't know you, Manopeace, but I sure am proud of you!


if we live our lives and try to set an example of how thing could or should be, the world eventually will change.

And that is how the world will change because people as yourself set an example to those who are not sure how to be or how they can be or that there is even a light on the horizon for a brave new world. You are a beacon to these people, Manopeace. And you have given me hope and the drive to work a little harder towards a change for the benefit of everyone.


Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
When you tell yourself something can be done....you are half way there.


No truer words were ever spoken!
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
You're entitled to your opinion, FreeMark, but don't you think that's a little harsh.........So....let's see.....I guess we wouldn't have any retirement homes in your world......no intellectually disabled, perhaps, either.....Think about the details to your vision, FreeMark, is that really what you would want?


I'm sorry I was just applying the a little magic to the problem. I didn't think you wanted a rational response. You asked for my perfect world, in a perfect world such people would not exist. People would not retire poor. The disabled would not be.

What did you think I was advocating... liquidating them?

On a practical level I realize that we must do something to care for these people. It is against my stated vision that no man is forced to live for another but I realize a compromise must exist. Much of the intellectually disabled can provide for themselves and I think they are better off when they do. But I am reasonable enough to understand that some must be taken care of. In fact I feel a great deal of sorrow for those that must be taken care of because they have to sacrifice their dignity to do so. I believed this intellectually before the events of my life allowed me to believe it more spiritually.

I guess what I am saying is that I know that my perfect world does not exist. Of course I started out admitting that I don't really believe in the concept of perfection.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
FreeMark,

I wasn't meaning to be too harsh on you there....you have no need to be sorry! I guess I was going on a more practical level in a sense.......I just expected a more positive use of imagination when stepping out of the boundary of todays life.
And yes I did want Your perfect world.....so sure, fine...that point is duly taken..but it's good to hear the word 'Compromise' in there!

I guess what I am saying is that I know that my perfect world does not exist. Of course I started out admitting that I don't really believe in the concept of perfection.

And this is where compromise comes into action.....We could never have a world where absolutely everyone has what they want as their definitive perfect vision but we can come close by all being wise and kind enough to coexist... being respectful of everyones right of existence and compromise for the greater good of mankind.

Actually I don't really believe in the concept of perfection either...I just find it as a good word to utilize here and there.

I believed this intellectually before the events of my life allowed me to believe it more spiritually.

How do you feel spiritually....? What do you believe in, FreeMark? What has happened in your life to lead you to where you are now....?

I appreciate everything you share, FreeMark, as the more I learn from others the closer I come to knowing myself.
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Manopeace,

Your welcome! You say some mighty kind words yourself....Thankyou too!
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
Spirtually? I am not quite where I want to be at all times but I am content that it will always be so. Exploration is more important than destination

What do I believe in?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

What has happened?
A lot. Some bad, some good. Mostly great. It's just life and you have to love it even when it is horribly cruel to you.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top
FreeMark,

Hello......

Spirtually? I am not quite where I want to be at all times but I am content that it will always be so. Exploration is more important than destination

Can you explain this in a little more detail.......thanks.

So, you're quite religious? How does your religion interact with day to day life? Do you mind a few questions....?
........one more.....Why do you think we exist here....what is our purpose ...if any?

SA lot. Some bad, some good. Mostly great. It's just life and you have to love it even when it is horribly cruel to you.

That sounds like my life....there's good...there's bad ...but through it all you cope and live and love life and whatever life throws your way.....deal with it.........
Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
My ideal world would be one of freedom and non-oppression.

Freedom to make stupid choices, as long as they harm noone.
Freedom to do with your money as you see fit, with taxes limited to only the amoung necessary to provide essential government services.
TRUE freedom of speech, of press, of peaceful assembly...and all other rights guaranteed by the US constitution.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
Gideon,

I like your vision........I think one day we will all come to our senses and realize the errors in our ways and actually work together as a world population rather than segregate ourselves by country. I think we have come a long way already since mans first existence and we still have a long way to go but with so many goodhearted people in the world, a lot of them being here at JU, we can only head to a more positive future.....one like yourself and others here envision.
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top
Can you explain this in a little more detail

Sure. I believe that spiritual exploration is really an explanation of oneself and their beliefs. There is no end to this exploration because there is no end to oneself. I believe we are eternal and the infinite, what we are now is not what we always will be, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Since it is a journey without an end a lot of people either never take it or give up on it. But they are missing the point because it is the exploration of it that is the most important.

So, you're quite religious?

By your definition, maybe, but you asked me what I believe. Just because I can cut and paste the Apostle's Creed and know what it is doesn't make me QUITE religious. If you knew anything about it yourself you could probably determine which branch of Christianity I practice.
Anyway, I don't think I am quite religious by many people's definition but I have determined that it is right for me. I was for many years, starting at around ten years old, an atheist. Or at least I thought myself to be.

But I never really stopped believing. I sum it up like this; I could never bring myself to put a small g on the word God. The arguments I would make with friends of mine, who are Christian, would often hurt me more than them. I was angry and I was sad and being an atheist was not helping. It became obvious to me that the absence of a Creator made a universe without purpose. So even if such a Creator only existed in the minds of his followers it brought both peace and solace to those people. Even if it is a trick it is a very wonderful trick. That is where it began for me.

I knew that all the evils that I had proscribed to Christianity where contrived in my mind. I knew that those very evils where not made by following Christianity but by misrepresenting it but I used these arguments anyway. For example, I believe very much that the Nazi's believed themselves to be a Christian army. It is an easy weapon to attempt to bludgeon a Christian with...but...the reality is this trick won't work. Any reasoning Christian would tell you that the Nazi's where very much the anti-Christian.

So I had a different kind of crisis of faith...and increasing one. I didn't know exactly what I believed anymore. So then I met my wife. When we became engaged she wanted to be married in her church. This entailed going to church and becoming a member. There was a time that I would not have considered this. There is a time I would have done it and pretended. But this hit me at the right time and I became a member and increased my belief.

Do I believe every word of the Bible literally? No, I do not. I believe that is a medium and the more important thing is the message. This is something I am still exploring and will continue to do until I meet my Maker. I feel great comfort in that belief even if it is a fallacy.

An atheist would probably tell me that I was indoctrinated at youth, had a momentary lapse of freedom, and was re-indoctrinated as an older man. They might be right. But I will argue that their message was never powerfully enough to complety indoctrinate me. Ultimately, I found it very empty and still do.

Most people who call themselves an atheist in my mind are really anti-Christians. A true atheist would not care what people choose to believe they would simply smile wryly and go on. Most of the ones I have known choose to rail about Christianity, in private at least, and often in public. They think it is a disease and I believe they want it destroyed.

I do not believe in Chinese medicine. Recently I was told a story of a man who cut his foot and used crystals to fix the problem. Eventually he turned to Western medicine to save his foot and possibly his life. I do not rail against the evils of Chinese medicine because one fool chooses to believe in it to the cost of his own life. The man still believes in it even though it could have killed him to do so.

atheist do not believe that the right of belief exists for anyone. In my country they apply it most severely to Christians. I believe that it is a religion itself except that it is the belief of unbelief. I do not believe anyone can believe in nothing, it is like trying to not think about a polar bear eating ice cream. I feel that down at the core of every atheist they do not know what they believe and they are very scared. That is why so many of them are angry.

what is our purpose

We don't have a common purpose. We are creatures of free will and we will always pursue our own ends. Purpose is a direction we take on a path we walk. It isn't an end but the thing that drives us. I cannot tell you what your purpose is.

If there is some great cosmic purpose then I don't believe it is something we can know. We must stumble towards it blindly like it is a magnet pulling us along.
Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top
FreeMark,

Thankyou for expaining more thoroughly, FreeMark....I really appreciate it as I try to find my place in life.
I am not an athiest at all and I have no problem at all with others practicing their religions....although I do wish that different religions didn't deteste each other so much. Basically...I just am...I go about my life following no path or order other then what I deem to be right and wrong using my common sense. I feel there is more than what we make our lives to be here on earth though I don't know what it is.....do we need to know...?

Sure. I believe that spiritual exploration is really an explanation of oneself and their beliefs. There is no end to this exploration because there is no end to oneself. I believe we are eternal and the infinite, what we are now is not what we always will be, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Since it is a journey without an end a lot of people either never take it or give up on it. But they are missing the point because it is the exploration of it that is the most important.

I think I am in a state of spiritual exploration in my life right now....I have always sought answers...but now I feel compelled to put the pieces together and see the picture whole.....that is part of why I am here at JU....I cannot simply come up with the answers myself.(it's never that easy) From listening (reading!) to your views and others...I am coming closer to my own conclusions with the information you are sharing......and I thankyou so much for that!
Before I had my son...I did not worry much about who we are ...what we are...where are we going....what is out there.....but now that I have my sons precious life to care for and guide I am concerned with my beliefs and faith....I want to be able to point him in the right direction.....I want to have all the answers for him.....I want to let him know that everything will be alright because.....

Do you have kids, FreeMark? If you do...did it change your outlook on life when they came along...?

We are having an interesting converation downstairs in Philosophy....on Sally's Blog 'I am going to die'.....you may appreciate the conversation we are having..maybe I'll see you down there!
Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
I wanted to wait a little before I came back and gave my vision of the world I would like to see......

My world is not much different to that of today....if you can imagine it still runs with our monetary system and the basic laws of society we have now.....except that everyone has come to the realization that we are all connected....how you are in your life and how you are to others has a chain reaction within our overlapping paths.

In my vision....not a single Man, Woman or Child goes without food and water....no one is without a home.....everyone can receive aid from our medical sciences when in need without discrimination.....everyone is given the chance to absorb and learn the knowledge passed down the ages..despite their financial situation....as education and awareness is and integral part of man coexisting peacefully..

There are still people who will strive to achieve more for themselves....and they will still do so... and there are those who are happier to be a humble cog in the wheel of life.....but everyone will be taken care of on a fundamental level....we will ensure there is no suffering ....as there does not need to be.
People will care for everyone and come to the understanding that Everyone matters... Everyone is a part of life and we disregard no one.
Families will be more of the focus rather than money... Every Child will grow in a family where they have the unconditional love, security and guidance of their parents and they will grow through nurturing into content, stable adults who continue to love and value their children more than themselves and more than material gains as their parents did for them.
I believe I have said it before... and I will more than likely say it again..."For everyone to be happy ..Everyone must be happy"...sounds a little bit simple you say...well think about it ...if every child grew with love and compassion...respect and tolerance would that not have a domino effect in our society that would spread through many aspects of life we have created and change a negative into a positive.

Also..in my world....we would repect the lives of all the creatures we share this planet with...and though we still need to use them as a resource....we value their sacrifice and treat them with dignity and do not waste their gift of life to us...and the ones that we must use in order to survive we cherish and give them a time of blissful life before we use their body for ours. And all the other creatures in the world have a space of their own that we have not bombarded and staked ownership for our own selfish purpose.
We respect the earth we call home..we do not claim ownership over something we cannot buy....we are part of a world we don't fully understand...it is foolish to say it is ours...we are simply part of something bigger and should be more humble in our assumptions.

In my world there is not War....war is hopeless....we may disagree...sending innocent peole off to kill innocent people is not the answer....war is never the answer...it just shows how scared we are...scared enough to kill over things we should be discussing..solving....there is always another way......

And in my World we work and live as a world population for the benefit of us all ....we are not in competition with each other but in it together for the future of our kind.

I would really appreciate your opinion on 'My vision'....and if there is anything you would like to add, please do so.
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would really appreciate your opinion on 'My vision'....and if there is anything you would like to add, please do so.


It's a fine vision just as it is! Never lose it!
Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thankyou Manopeace...

I haven't seen you around much lately ....everything going well in your life?
Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top
Little Whip,

What a lonely world...

Seriously, Little Whip, if you really thought about it realistically.....how would you imagine Earth..........

I've had a few problems submitting on some blogs lately ...a few of yours and some others ....so I have been having conversations with you that you have not been getting....I noticed on your 'Apology to JU' that it says you have 68 replies but in your blog it is only marked up to 50...perhaps some aren't getting through?
Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
I haven't seen you around much lately ....everything going well in your life?


Everythings just great...were getting ready for our New Years here in Israel and have been busy with my new grandson...all is good!
Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hello Manopeace,

Yes...I was going to ask how your Grandson was.....I bet he's a shining liitle light in your life!!

Isn't it a little early for New Years...?? Or am I just stuck in the western calender??

I wish the best of health and happiness for yourself and your family....and especially your little Grandson!