Freedom and Responsibility

  Freedom and Responsibility

           Looking down from the top of a mountain a beautiful green lake with breathtaking views

  There is a vital relationship between freedom and responsibility. Freedom is a privilege and divine gift on the condition that it is accompanied by the required sense of responsibility. Historically, freedom has been a hard-fought right that enables man to speak, think and exert his will as he deems it correct. Freedom or free will is the most important expression of human action and endeavor. Those values and particularly the sense of responsibility are we supposed to learn within the family unit and also in school and should be a part of education. However, this is highly questionable. 

Looking at our society today we observe that there are a lot of issues and problems associated with the lack and misapplication of those human values. Freedom functions within a frame of action that requires respect and compassion towards our fellow man. Responsibility is the sense of duty one has to cultivate in order to act within the sphere of freedom and good will. “Αs human beings, we are endowed with freedom of choice, and we cannot shuffle off our respsnsibility upon the shoulders of God or nature. We must shoulder it ourselves. It is our responsibility."--Arnold J.Toynbee.   Society suffers when people do not fulfill their portion of responsibility and act in a way that violates other people’s rights.  

We can rejoice that we were born in an era in which humankind has made incredible progress in terms of freedom and human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a groundbreaking declaration for the establishment of human rights which includes the right to life, freedom of speech and religion, the rights to health and education, the right to a fair trial, freedom from torture and any other inhuman or cruel treatment and the assurance that fundamental human rights will be universally protected. So far, the fundamental human rights have also been adopted and are enshrined in the most modern democracies around the world and now constitute a safe frame for the all citizens world-wide. “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. … Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.” – Eleanor Roosevelt 

Since freedom is not to be taken for granted, given that in the course of history many autocratic regimes around the world have been suppressing their subjects out of fear to lose their supremacy, we ought to be aware of its value and sustaining. Any abuse of freedom leaves behind a sense of failure to abide by the principles enshrined in all democracies and in the United Nations resolutions which were officially established after a very long time of historical struggles and wars. Our historic failure lies in the fact that humankind whatsoever fails to fulfill their responsibility and the result in no other than a setback and regression instead of progress and advancement. “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” - Winston Churchill.  Usually, we feel good when other people fulfill their responsibility but the essence of responsibility is not passive but active. It is definitely a great challenge that is painful because it needs effort and involvement and it requires to get you out of your comfort zone.   “If you believe that it is someone else's responsibility to fix whatever needs fixing, you remain part of the problem, and, therefore, just a culpable as everyone else who believes someone else should shoulder the burden of initiating change”. - Byron Pulsifer 

Therefore, “ You cannot to cross a river without getting wet” and “you cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs” (proverbs) in terms of fulfilling responsibility. It is wrong to perceive responsibility as a burden. It is rather a rewarding challenge because it brings fulfilment and joy as well as a sense of achievement to those who succeed in responding to it. 

Is Education Everything?

     Is Education Everything? 

            Υοung man crossing the bridge of a city with skyline and tall buildings on the background

 

Education is undoubtedly a central chapter in one’s life and career but certainly not the cure of all evils. Education is not just acquisition of knowledge, skills and expertise but a broadening of man’s horizons and enlightenment. Furthermore, education opens doors and improves people’s understanding of our surroundings and the world and above all it contributes to developing our full potential and achieve our goals in life. An educated person has a better awareness of their purpose in society and can claim rights and perceive their duties and obligations towards society. Another important aspect of education is that it empowers men with self-confidence, a sense of accomplishment, financial gratification and critical reasoning.  

Certainly, education is by all means no panacea to the innumerable challenges of our society and world, however an open window to the world. To better understand the value of education we better look at the developing countries of our world and the challenges they are facing: illiteracy, poverty, inhuman life conditions, unemployment and malnutrition family planning and contraception. All those problems surely relate to a great degree to lack of education and due to the fact that wealthy nations do not assist poorer nations financially as they should. “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”Aristotle. However, according to the great Greek philosopher Aristotle education is not only about sheer knowledge and skills, it’s about educating character and not only intellect but also heart and conscious mind.  

Unfortunately, a lot of students observe education as a means to reach the highest levels of well-paid categories. In other words, they want to study just for immediate gratification and climb the ladder of professional success. The problem lies in their upbringing and education, but above all the way they themselves perceive the world and their place in it. Here comes a gap in the field of education which is to be perceived in the frame of a holistic approach to the realm of knowledge. In other words, education shouldn’t be limited in transmitting sheer knowledge and skills. Teachers should be committed to convey a set of ethical and moral values. To do that they need to be properly educated and above all it is imperative that they be role models and capable to represent the pillars of education as indispensable tool to reach a degree of absolute supreme standard, both ethical and vocational. “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”- Nelson Mandela 

The pivotal role of education is to teach the young generations to understand the needs, objectives and expectations of the society they are part of. Society and education are interdependent in a mutual association, crucial for their contribution to the nation and world. Education as backbone of society is not just a social system but rather the essence of development and sustainability of the world we live in. Every single nation should invest the most in achieving high standards in terms of schools, universities and educational institutions. Knowledge is indispensable we want to bring change in our societies and the world and it should be shared and distributed to all, even those who are still in distress and financial dependence. We all should be able not only to dream of a better future, but build this future ourselves, because we are capable of doing it provided, we practice human values by means of co-operation and solidarity for the sake of a better world for all. “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” —John F. Kennedy 

 

We all should be aware of the value and importance of education in our society and community. It is worth investing our utmost in order to create better educational institutions and programs that provide knowledge, skills and ethics to younger generations. Without education there is no development, financial freedom and prosperity in our world. It is high time to work together in bringing about change that can make the difference in our small planet Earth.  

 

 

Woman's Position in Society

                                          Woman's Position in Society 

                          Picture shows a young mother holding and kissing her baby in her arms

 

In the course of human history, the status and position of woman has undergone various swings and agitations. In matriarchal societies i.e., the status of woman was recognized and her position was one of leadership and superiority. She had the primary role within the family and society. Her identity due to cultural, religious and racial differences have determined her role and task. The most fundamental reference about the identity and position of woman is based on the Scriptures and axiom that our Creator, God, created man and woman in His image. That fact dignifies human beings with supreme value including gender equality and divinity.  

In spite of many hindrances, disputes and challenges woman’s position in society around the world has improved and is not confined to the kitchen and the household let alone the pregnancy and the upbringing of children which is the most precious vocation and task. Through the spread of education woman enjoys all the benefits of freedom and emancipation along with employment in private and public sector, positions in political and economic life as well as business and entrepreneurship. The best proof for this is that women are becoming prime ministers in some countries, ministers, pastors and university professors and academics.  Throughout history, the pivotal role of women in family and society has brought about stability, progress and development of nations. 
“Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.”- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives 

However, the path of women to attain an acceptable status in society and the world was not strewn with roses because of the establishment, discrimination, prejudices and a numerous other challenges and factors. As a result, women do not enjoy equal opportunities as men while their human rights are constantly violated. An example is that women experience sexual harassment, violence even in marriage, at school and the workplace. It is imperative that we create a gender-neutral society where women feel honored accepted and secure. Let’s leave behind the past when women had no voting rights, no permission to study at the university and no possibility to follow a profession. When we achieve human rights and human dignity for all people – they will build a peaceful, sustainable, and just world. – Antonio Guterres - United Nations Secretary-General 

Today’s current global role of women in all walks of life like, family, economy, politics, farming, education etc is undeniably the reward of that long journey of suppression throughout history. “When women are empowered and can claim their rights and access to land, leadership, opportunities and choices, economies grow, food security is enhanced and prospects are improved for current and future generations.” – Michelle Bachelet, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN. However, what gives woman the supreme value is her property to give birth, be a mother and incarnate the most profound meaning and identity of motherhood.

People should live with the awareness that women are not just objects of lust and should treat them with the required respect and dignity. After all, only in full acceptance of each other as partners within the frame of good will and dignity can we create a happy and healthy family and society where all can enjoy the miracle of life. 

 

Environment is Vital

 
Environment is Vital  

 

                   It shows a TV screen on which one can see the form of a globe and a question mark message: WHY?

Maybe the most vital and crucial issue in the 21th century. Humankind is faced with tremendous threats that could develop to become chaotic if no serious global measures are implemented. The problem is not local but impacts the whole planet earth becoming global. As such the right approach to resolve this issue should be world cooperation and action. Therefore, global threats need a global approach and cooperation and nations especially the big 10 should dive into this overwhelming challenge.  This is indeed our challenge to feel responsible for this beautifully amazing planet, our  home, our planet  earth. It  requires  respect, mindfulness, empathy and caring.

 

The global warming cannot wait, the melting of the North Pole icebergs cannot wait, the Amazon rainforest disaster cannot wait while the climate change advances. The recent war in Ukraine has caused a global energy crisis which could prompt a long-standing shift towards the sustainability of our planet. Warnings come from everywhere, but nobody seems to take them seriously. What else do we need to watch in order to awake from our deep sleep and take action? What am I supposed to do, if my neighbor's house is on fire? In some cities in Far East people cannot go out without a mask to protect them from the heavy air pollution. We live in a situation of acute emergency and we are called to act before it is too late. “The Earth does not belong to us: we belong to the Earth” – Marleen Matlin.   

The latter Covid pandemic has shown much irresponsible states and individuals can be. We have experienced the repercussions of lack of information, misinformation and the spreading of rumors and phobias we how they can affect people and cause harm. As a result, a lot of our fellowmen and –women had to pay a high price by losing their lives. However, the global impact caused by Covid has brought about various effects on the environment and climate. Due to lockdown and serious downturn in economic activity, air pollution has been reduced in many parts of the world due to limited traffic. This is a sign that our earth is a living organism whatsoever. “Both the coronavirus crisis and the climate crisis reveal that our world is inextricably interconnected, and it’s as strong or as fragile as those connections. We have to strengthen those connections. It is our only choice. The sun is going to rise again.” - Mary Annaise Heglar, climate justice writer 

 Since the earth is our home, we are meant to keep it clean and orderly. It is an eyesore to see dirty streets, squares, parks, beaches, rivers and the sea.

When the planet suffers from man’s abuse and maltreatment the side effects can be perceived as nature’s revenge. "On Earth Day, we celebrate all the gifts the world and nature make available to us. We recognize our complete dependence on its bounty. And we acknowledge the need for good stewardship to preserve its fruits for future generations." - John Hoeven. Ecological movements and initiatives like reforestation efforts, cleaning parks and beaches, show that man has become sensitized to the current threats and emergency distress signals that our planet is emitting.   

The etymology of the word environment means everything surrounding us and includes all living and nonliving beings and matter like water, soil, animals and plants which have the innate ability to adapt themselves to their settings. It’s our creator’s gift to humankind to preserve life and harmonious balance on Earth. Our duty and responsibility is to become masters of love and respect towards our fellowmen and our planet as well.