Our moral compass…

“May our philosophy keep pace with our technology.
May our compassion keep pace with our powers.
May love, not fear be the engine of change.” – Edmond Langdon

I like this quote, taken from an unlikely source.

This morning, I was sent an article by a friend. It describes the potential fall of the American culture. A fall into division, right-wing dictatorship and, possibly, civil unrest. Although I do not like such news, I can’t dismiss it.

The questions that came to me after reading this are: Why is this happening and what can I do about this?

We are failing Edmond Langdon. The internet is a powerful source of misinformation that promotes ignorance, divides and polarizes society. Today’s truth is not found through deep thought, logical reflection and moral insight. In the modern landscape, the number of 👍🏻 and likes define what people believe. The truth is now defined on Facebook and Youtube by followers, not by experts; by popularity, not by reality.

The movie “Don’t look up” beautifully captures this situation.

Eventually, I agree that violence and civil unrest can emerge from polarization, ignorance and moral/intellectual idleness. So what will save us? The same tool that actually misinforms and divides us could be our lifeline.

When Google, Facebook, Netflix, TikTok, Instagram, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon unite to promote the delivery of quality information and a moral compass with tools for intellectual reasoning and emotional regulation, the world could change.

For me, the first step to being a part of the solution is to pick wisely how I spend my time, focus on content that fuels my curiosity and engages my capacity to ask relevant questions and seek answers. I certainly hope that I can inspire my son, friends and people I know to follow me on this path,

As a society and as individuals, we become the product of what consume, especially what we spend and focus our attention on.

Thank you.