A Citizen of the World

I have a very good friend, whom I have know for several years, and whom I admire tremendously, but for a long time after I made his acquaintance, I never knew much about his background.

When asked which country he came from, he would reply “I am a citizen of the world”. When asked where home is, he would reply “I carry my roots with me, and put them down wherever I am”.

Now this person was educated at Oxford University in England, and Stanford University in the USA. He holds a Phd in Sociology, he speaks five languages, and he has worked in every country in South America, plus the USA, and several countries in Europe and Africa.

I have observed him as he gives the same respect to the lady who empties the waste bin in his office, as he does to the millionaire businessman, or CEO of a multinational company who come to see him.

He is a remarkable man, but he becomes even more remarkable when something of his background is revealed. You see, he is a Palestinian. His family were once wealthy and influential, but they lost everything when they had to flee their home with just the clothes on their backs. They had to rebuild their lives from scratch. But this man bears no grudge, and harbours no hatred towards those who robbed his family of all their land and material passions.

He holds no animosity or bias towards any person, race or nation. He summarizes his values in the following phrase

“Above all Races, Ranks, and Religions comes Humanity”.

In fact, I can honestly say that I have never heard him criticise, complain or belittle anyone, ever. This might seem hard to believe, but I assure you that it is true. Every thought in his head and word from his mouth is positive and serves to uplift those around him. He rarely talks about himself, preferring instead to celebrate the achievements of his companions.

Mutual trust is a commodity in short supply in the world today.

You might not be surprised to also learn, that this man is the most peaceful, joyful person I have ever met in the real world (outside of a monastery or ashram). He is a living example of forgiveness and compassion. When I asked him to expand upon his values, he replied:

“It is really bonding with your fellow man in a way where there is mutual respect and mutual help. Many people talk about tolerance. It is not that. It is more than that. Tolerance has its superiority, inferiority aspect. It is really mutual respect where we look at the human being, every human being, as a unique person and we help and respect one another. And with that attitude, that feeling, people trust you, and you trust them. This is mutual trust.”

Mutual trust is a commodity in short supply in the world today.

Personally, I have found it to be true that the more people travel and the more that they are exposed to other countries, their people and cultures, the more their patriotic fervour and nationalistic associations begin to subside, to be replaced by what my friend speaks of. Universal compassion towards, and respect for, your fellow man.

You see, the guy over there who you think is not like you, because you have labelled him Muslim, Jew, Christian, Atheist, Black, White, or whatever else, is in reality, just like you. He is doing the best he can given the circumstances in which he currently finds himself - just like you and me.

“This person, just like me, is trying to find happiness in his/her own way.

This person, just like me, is struggling with life’s problems.

Unite under the Flag of Humanity

It is nationalism and religion which together have been responsible for most of the wars, bloodshed and killing throughout history.

Yes, the fact that someone was raised in a different country with a different culture and tradition does make them different. BUT we should learn to celebrate these differences, whilst uniting under the same banner; the flag of humanity.

We are all citizens of the world; we are all part of Humanity. We are all members of the club called the human race. No-one is excluded from this club.

Regrettably, too few of us remember to use our membership card on a regular basis, and restrict its use to times such as Christmas, when “goodwill to all men” prevails.

So if you feel the need to wave a flag, put away the start and stripes, the union jack, or the tri-couleur, and instead wave the flag of humanity. Take out your membership card for the club called the human race and use it.

Do you remember my friend’s motto? Here it is again

“Above all Races, Ranks, and Religions comes Humanity”.

Now, how’s that for an International anthem? All together now, let’s sing . .

.

END

Copyright © 2009 Michael Curley. All rights reserved.