Today as the global crisis testifies, humanity is stuck in a situation when they understand the inevitable global connections but resenting them at the same time. Our present idea of “personal freedom” is against the natural participation in the modern human “super organism.” The modern, global adaptation of Abraham’s method of mutual responsibility and cooperation by the Jews holding the method can unlock this paradox, creating a practical, working version that by positive example could attract the whole of humanity within.
The Paradox of Unbreakable Global Connections & their Opposition to the Traditional Belief of Personal Freedom
Today, enough people understand that the only way to avert a global catastrophe is to unite. It may be called by other terms, such as “collaboration,” or “consideration,” but whatever the term, it is fair to say that we already understand that we are interdependent and interconnected. This reality creates a situation where we are de facto united in all our global systems. However, to the extent that we are connected, we are also emotionally alienated and resentful about the situation.
To solve this paradox, we must first abandon a common belief in our society—the idea that we have “free choice.” Science shows that there is no such thing, at least not in the way we normally think of it—that we do what we want by our own free choice. In recent years, data that proves our dependence on society has been piling up. These studies show that not only our sustenance depends on society, but even our thoughts, aspirations, and chances of success in life. In fact, even the very definition of success is subject to the whims of society. And last but not least, to a great extent, our physical health is significantly affected by society.
The Potential Benefits of the Positive Implementation of Human Interconnections
But there is more to social contagion than watching one’s weight or heart condition. In a lecture on TED, Professor Nicholas Christakis explained that our social lives, and hence much of our physical lives, depend on the quality and strength of our social networks and what runs through the veins of that network. In his words,
“We form social networks because the benefits of a connected life outweigh the costs. If I were always violent toward you … or made you sad … you would cut the ties to me and the network would disintegrate. So the spread of good and valuable things is required to sustain and nourish social networks. Similarly, social networks are required for the spread of good and valuable things like love, and kindness, and happiness, and altruism, and ideas. …I think social networks are fundamentally related to goodness, and what I think the world needs now is more connections.”
Because we really have become aware that we are a superorganism, clearly, we must function as one—in reciprocity and mutual responsibility toward each other. But since we cannot teach the entire world how to function in this manner, we need to show the world an example, and the world will do the rest through our ability to empathize, or as Dr. Herrero put it, by “imitation and influence.” After all, when people see a good idea they naturally embrace it.
The Positive Global Role of the Jews by Implementing Abraham’s Method Globally
After the expulsion from Babylon, Abraham established an isolated society that moved as a group and functioned in mutual guarantee. He created a social environment that supported bonding, unity, and cohesion, and attached all those elements to the acquisition of the quality of bestowal, the Creator. Our task today is to do just that, but on a global scale.
Therefore, when people see that the Jews have something that could work well for them, and that the Jews desire to share it, they will not only support us, but join us. This is how Abraham gathered more and more people into his company as he was traveling from Babylon to Canaan, as “thousands and tens of thousands assembled around him, and they are the people of ‘the house of Abraham.’”
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