a new social ethic[2 comments]

Many writers, musicians, media broadcasters, journalists and others are deeply concerned about our present condition. They describe various scenarios of cause and effect based on the latest scientific information and what we need to do to avert disaster or else. But the message is fragmented, attacked by cynicism and avoided by apathy, so there is still not the focus for concerted universal action. Most scientists agree that our situation is critical and it is generally agreed that we have the skills, technology, finance, labour force and knowledge to avoid potential disaster but time is of the essence. Why then are most people carrying on as normal as if everything is fine?  What is missing either to force us to realise and act or create the social unity that is needed to meet the challenges we are faced with?

The second world war was horrendous but I remember my parents saying that one good thing was how everyone, no matter their class, status, wealth, job or education, everyone knew what they were up against, put aside personal differences, rolled up their sleeves and got on with what had to be done, often at great personal sacrifice.  We need to adopt a similar mindset and commitment but the difference between then and now is that 60 years ago people knew and accepted the moral guidelines of church and state, they obeyed the norms of society and lived by their principles. They had a clear understanding of right and wrong, of duty and responsibility.  This, I believe is what is missing and urgently needed now. We must rethink, redraft, reform and rekindle this renewed identity with each other and all life on earth. We need to define our new social ethics based on what we firmly believe to be right, good, true, important and worthwhile.

Since the Second World War, numerous intelligent and wise thinkers have written eloquently concerning the environment, our role in its condition, what needs to be done and ways of achieving sustainability, justice and fairness. This library of books, magazine articles, T.V and radio programmes needs to be simplified and reduced in size so that the essence of the analysis and advice is accessible to us all, the general public, throughout the world.  This would form the ingredients for a new social ethic and would provide a sound foundation on which to focus our thoughts, discussions, decisions, policies and action.  This new social ethic needs to be based on our shared understanding of what we believe is good and right, what is worth working for and defending, even if sacrifices are called for.

We plant acorns not for us but for future generations. We need to cultivate a new morality in our hearts and minds, be guided by new principles and live according to a new ethic. We need to be armed with strong willpower and character to resist the temptations of capitalism and consumerism beyond what is necessary and we need courage to change. We can save the world for future generations if we are conscious of acting wisely everyday.

As there is no choice, we need to start now and speedily invite anyone anywhere to contribute their positive ideas and constructive criticisms including of course the wise thinkers. Hopefully the media will embrace this proposal and be instrumental in its rapid realisation worldwide. My optimism is in knowing that we can change, that we can meet this challenge and we can overcome our apathy. With the wind of change behind us, this worldwide grassroots transformation will be unstoppable.

Trust, co-operation, restraint and mutual respect will be energised by our conscious belief in our common objective. The new social ethic will the basis of a sustainable survival policy. This will be the guiding principle for political and economic debate and decision making, needing courage and honesty. The same goes with food and agriculture where big changes are needed for health, for the land, the produce, the consumer and farmer. Each and every one of us has the power, to a greater or lesser extent, to influence change as a voter, consumer and in our lifestyle choices. What is right and good often just emerges or evolves as time passes, circumstances change and knowledge increases. Learned experience acted upon for the good of all is wisdom and it is the people’s cumulative wisdom that will fuel this, our new social ethic.

We do need to be realistic about the complexity of trying to achieve a new social ethic. The UN declaration of human rights had a similar aim and came up against opposition from certain nations, religions and cultures. The aim is not to force everyone into a mould of uniformity, not to dilute the variety and diversity of the human race nor to demonise those who cannot agree with the majority. But, there are some unavoidable realities that have to be faced concerning the climate, the physical environment, the fauna and flora of a wide range of habitats and ecosystems, the increasing world population, resource exploitation and international social responsibility. These issues involve sensitive, difficult and diplomatic discussions to resolve what are often conflicting needs and desires. If it is clear that mutual respect and understanding of difference are accepted and there is willingness for change for the good of all, then there are the opportunities for positive transformation. We need to move on with a real sense of urgency; there is no alternative but for a successful outcome needing all our efforts all of the time.

Using the “new social ethic” website, e-mail and blog as the project address, anyone, anywhere can now interact and become part of this transformation, the change to a better world.  With your ideas and energy and your connections at work, with friends, in sport, music, religion, politics, clubs and any other social group, the ideas become daily reality.  Short term selfishness is out, sustainability in thought and action is in. Be awake and aware of everything, everywhere and have the courage to say no to all that you know is wrong. If it doesn’t do any good don’t do it. If we allow it or let it happen then we let present and future generations down. It is obvious what we must do and now we must get on and do it.

by Paul Caton