President Kennedy was right. “Our problems are man-made. Therefore, they can be solved by man.”
As we consider all the problems effecting our lives, let our consideration start with ourselves. What about our situation, our values, and our choices are contributing to the problems we see? For me, most of my choices have been consumed with providing for myself and my family. And as I look back over my life, I realize how much pride and satisfaction I experienced when I achieved success. Yet, with each success, I foreclosed the same opportunity for every person who didn’t get hired or competed but failed to close the big deal. I’m familiar with their misery because I too have been defeated on many occasions.
My takeaway is something is deeply wrong with people having to compete to provide for themselves and their families. The competition is inherently unfair because our access to education and skill development is tied to the randomness of birth. Therefore, our success in the competition of life is more driven by luck than talent or hard work. My pride in providing for my family is a celebration of good fortune at the expense of others. As I am confronted by the problems resulting from the accumulated misfortune, I must own my contribution and do something about it.
The first step of fundamental change is realizing where you stand is no longer acceptable. But if not here, then where?
Good fortune is a function of this life no matter what we do. Some people are healthier, stronger, faster, possess greater aptitude for learning, etc. For people who are fortunate, the opportunity to make great contributions to society are likely. But good fortune should not determine our ability to provide for ourselves and our families. There is no honor in denying the less fortunate the resources they need, especially when we possess the technology and resource capacity to sustainably provide for all of humanity.
