Mitsuhei Murata – Former Ambassador of Japan to the Swiss Confederation
Today’s materialism is based on greed, which is now threatening the future of mankind and the globe.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The earth can provide for every one’s need, but not for every one’s greed.” This may explain the problems encountered by globalization. So-called GDP economics ignores all the important values that cannot be quantified and converted into monetary values, such as culture, tradition, family and social justice. The prevailing supremacy of the economy has eroded the ethics of the present generation, which out of self-interest is building prosperity at the expense of future generations, abusing natural resources. Hence the current crisis of the environment. This lack of ethics is rampant on a global scale.
Based on this understanding, it is time to consider how to create a new civilization, based on ethics and solidarity, respectful of the environment and the interests of future generations. This new civilization must shift from the present material-centered one to a spiritual-centered one. Here we are reminded of the importance of “contentment.” This concept was introduced by Asian spiritual teachers Buddha and Lao Tzu. This is in line with the teaching advocated by Buddhists that happiness equals wealth divided by desire.
Concerning global ethics, the widely shared belief in the existence of a supernatural being, or a sense of providence, could be the common ground for those who hold religious beliefs and those who do not. The common ethical standards of major religions and the conscience of civil society could be integrated to constitute a valid basis for the establishment of global ethics. True leaders must be accountable for the future of humankind and the planet Earth. It is essential to nurture in all sectors of society such leaders who are equipped not only with intellect but also with sensibility. Civil society has consequently a greater role to play. It is imperative to foster leaders with vision and ideals, in all sectors.
Lastly, let me touch upon the issue of counterbalancing the economy with culture. The concept of economic supremacy has brought about “human exclusion,” observable, for example, in “restructuring” in workplaces. The excessive pursuit of efficiency undermines and ignores human dignity. Culture enhances basic ethical values. Cultural exchanges can contribute to creating solidarity. Amidst the prevailing tendency to exclude humanity, the counterattack of culture is badly needed. In this process, there is an important point to bear in mind. It concerns the striking difference between paternal culture and maternal culture. The former values competition and strength, whereas the latter attaches importance to harmony and compassion for the weak. History teaches us that paternal culture based on power and domination brings about catastrophic consequences… Hence the need to replace the current paternal civilization by a maternal one based on ethics and solidarity.
These ideas may seem to portray an ideal distant from reality, but I believe in the existence of a force that will bring the reality closer to the ideal. It may be understood as the will of a supernatural being, or the will of heavens and the earth. This force is evidenced through the lessons of history which has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilizations. It is this force, transcending human power that allows us to have hope for the future of humankind and the world.