We Will Change The World

Why giving up is not an option

Yes, I know, it is easy to believe the problems we face are insurmountable.

But they aren’t.

We will not be perfect, and we will not be able to avoid all catastrophes. But we will achieve much more — and much faster — than you would ever dare to imagine.

Yes, I know, we can fail. But if we do, we will find solace in knowing that we gave it our all. Until the last moment, hope will guide us.

And it is no empty hope.

Somewhere deep down, buried beneath layers of doubt and uncertainty, we fully understand: the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.

We live in a world so rife with anxiety, destruction, and violence. And we are told that we can’t do much about it because it is “too late” or because that’s just “how things are”.

Don’t buy this bullshit for one second.

The exact opposite is true. And I’m not saying this to comfort you. I’m saying this because it is a fact.

I won’t deny that we are heading in a worrying direction and that we are facing unprecedented challenges. Looking at news headlines, I understand why people are tempted to just give up. To numb themselves, and close their eyes. 

But don’t!

There is something crucial we keep forgetting:

We have everything we need

In the face of widespread suffering and misery, this may sound like an outlandish claim, but it’s true:

Collectively, we have all the knowledge and capacities needed — not only to survive, but to thrive on this planet.

If a sick society tells you there is no hope, rest assured it is as wrong about this as it is about nearly everything else it does.

Creating a liveable future for us all isn’t a question of possibility, but of using the possibility  —  not a matter of generating knowledge, but of spreading knowledge and putting it into action.

Our only real lack may be wisdom. And, boy, I know, that’s a big one.

But this problem is much more realistic to solve than if we were truly lacking resources.

Because the wisdom is not lost, but only suppressed. Even though it is sometimes hard to believe when witnessing human behavior, there is still wisdom within us. When we dedicate ourselves with genuine love and passion, it will shine through.

Deep down, we already know how to use our potential to make this world a better place.

The root cause of our problems

Too many people still don’t understand that we are creating most of our problems ourselves. Artificially and unnecessarily. 

At the core of our biggest problems are greed and mindless consumption.

“The world has enough for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

The big irony of overconsumption is that it doesn’t even make us happy. We see that people in so-called “affluent societies”, who are doing incredibly well by global standards on the material level, are actually not doing well at all.

In industrialized nations, we are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and meaninglessness, increasing stress, declining health, boiling anger and social division, rampant depression, drug overdose deaths, and suicides.

We see how people, out of helplessness and to fill their inner emptiness, constantly consume stuff they don’t actually need. We see how they desperately pursue things that have never given them lasting fulfilment — and never will.

Let me repeat once again, because it is so important:

Excess consumption is the root cause of almost every major problem we are facing.

Man-made climate change, deforestation, air and water pollution, soil degradation, the depletion of the oceans, the mass exploitation of animals and human beings, and wars over land and resources — most of this would never be happening on such a threatening scale if we weren't living so far beyond our means.

Therefore, modesty is more than a virtue, and minimalism is more than a lifestyle.

These qualities are literally our only option; our only way out; our only chance to survive as a species.

We urgently need to realize that we can be happier with less.

Needless to say, I’m not directing this appeal to people who are struggling to survive; I’m talking to those of us who enjoy the privilege of freedom and choice.

Who can drive change?

Many people are too caught up in their daily realities to have an impact beyond their immediate surroundings. They are working tirelessly to provide for their families, facing economic hardships, and simply don't have the time, energy, or resources to devote to global issues.

The responsibility to drive change falls on those fortunate enough to have the capacities for it.

If you are among them, don’t underestimate the enormous potential that lies in finding your purpose and using your privilege for good — even if just for a few hours per week.

I will soon publish more about activism, including inspiring ways you can get involved and make a difference. Additionally, I will cover self-care strategies to help you avoid burnout, as maintaining your well-being is crucial for sustained activism. Stay tuned for tips and insights that can empower you to be both effective and resilient in your efforts. 👇

Your calling

Don’t try to address all problems simultaneously. Pick the one cause that resonates with you the most. This choice doesn’t have to be permanent; your priorities may change over time. But it is much more efficient to focus on one issue at a time.

Whether it is climate protection, environmentalism, queer rights, anti-racism, animal rights, battling homelessness, or any other cause, immerse yourself in it. Get involved, and open your heart further.

Actively seek the perspectives of the victims or those suffering. Once you build an emotional connection to the topic, your engagement won't feel like work. It may require time and effort, but you will feel intrinsically motivated, as if caring for a beloved friend.

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
— Benjamin Franklin

Research shows that volunteering has many positive outcomes, including providing a sense of purpose, a sense of community, helping you meet new friends, improving social skills, advancing your career, bringing fun and fulfillment, and improving overall happiness and well-being.

Even if you start with baby steps, take your mission seriously. Pour all your love and creativity into it, use your talents, and be patient. You will be amazed at the impact you can have. Remember, all great trees grow from small seeds.

If you're lucky, you will eventually move toward something that lies at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for (see concept Ikigai in figure below). However, don't stress over this. Even if your job and true purpose are currently separate, or you are unemployed, just focus on being creative and finding your path to make a positive impact.

Dare to challenge yourself. Dare to harness your full potential. Don’t be afraid to embrace your greatness and shine. The world desperately needs heroes like you. I absolutely mean it.

Those “up there” won’t save us

Considering the magnitude of global crises and a world population of over eight billion, it is very understandable for individuals to feel insignificant and powerless.

It may be tempting to absolve yourself of all responsibility and expect those “up there” — politicians and large corporations — to solve our problems.

But it won’t work like that.

If we don’t alter our consumption habits, companies won’t change. If we don’t build public pressure, politics won’t change. There is not the slightest doubt: Without us getting active, those “up there” will neither be willing nor able to save us.

But here is the good news: You are not alone.

More and more people realize how perilous the situation is that our species has maneuvered itself into — and that there is an urgent need for action.

“Many small people, in small places, doing small things can change the world.”
— Eduardo Galeano

Feeling powerless and insignificant should never be a reason to stop our efforts.

If you’re worried about not having enough positive impact on your own, you can always multiply your impact by (1) spreading relevant knowledge, (2) being a positive role model, and (3) joining forces with others.

Your personal journey of empowerment and agency can start today. Why wait any longer?

A newsletter for a species that can do better

Pathways to Utopia breaks free from old thought patterns that have led us down destructive paths for centuries. This newsletter offers refreshing, out-of-the-box perspectives on the biggest challenges we are currently facing — and how we can use untapped potentials to overcome them.

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