Monday, January 3, 2011

What long-term goals for the world are most important to you?

This month I'm turning 40. I'm using this as an excuse to reflect on the last 40 years and the next 40 years in the world and in my life. As a part of that reflection, I made up this survey, to ask you what you think are the most important long-term goals for the world. It is meant to be a reflection exercise, not a scientific survey.


I'm making a more detailed list of projections, visions, and goals for the next 40 years. I welcome your help adding to that list on this editable document. I'm also making a similar list of historical events that have shaped my world in the past 40 years. You can also help me edit that document.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

We are a new creation: II Cor. 5


Individually, and in dialogue

In groups, communities, churches

In the world: environment, economy,
Justice

Michael Bischoff said...

Thank you, John.

I also keep thinking about the poem you sent recently. I think it is a good counter balance to my pondering the future of the world:

**
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied,
'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night.
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.

Minnie Louise Harkins

David Fey said...

I'm not sure the survival of the human race is the ultimate goal, but - while we're here - I would wish that every person has the security and the opportunity to express their unique contribution to the ongoing process of creation. Let every light shine!

Michael Bischoff said...

In writing the 12 possible goals in the survey, it was somewhat of an "aha" for me to realize that the survival of the human species wasn't at the top of my list. The quality and dignity of life while we are here, both for humans and other living things, is more important to me than how long the human species survives.

David Fey said...

Ah! I only read the first three options! Now that I've seen the other nine, I suppose "expanding consciousness" comes closest, for me, since that would naturally lead to many of these other outcomes.