Wave the Flag of Humanity
70A Citizen of the World
I have a very good friend, whom I have know for several years, and whom I admire tremendously, but for a long time after I made his acquaintance, I never knew much about his background.
When asked which country he came from, he would reply “I am a citizen of the world”. When asked where home is, he would reply “I carry my roots with me, and put them down wherever I am”.
Now this person was educated at Oxford University in England, and Stanford University in the USA. He holds a Phd in Sociology, he speaks five languages, and he has worked in every country in South America, plus the USA, and several countries in Europe and Africa.
I have observed him as he gives the same respect to the lady who empties the waste bin in his office, as he does to the millionaire businessman, or CEO of a multinational company who come to see him.
He is a remarkable man, but he becomes even more remarkable when something of his background is revealed. You see, he is a Palestinian. His family were once wealthy and influential, but they lost everything when they had to flee their home with just the clothes on their backs. They had to rebuild their lives from scratch. But this man bears no grudge, and harbours no hatred towards those who robbed his family of all their land and material passions.
He holds no animosity or bias towards any person, race or nation. He summarizes his values in the following phrase
“Above all Races, Ranks, and Religions comes Humanity”.
In fact, I can honestly say that I have never heard him criticise, complain or belittle anyone, ever. This might seem hard to believe, but I assure you that it is true. Every thought in his head and word from his mouth is positive and serves to uplift those around him. He rarely talks about himself, preferring instead to celebrate the achievements of his companions.
Mutual trust is a commodity in short supply in the world today.
You might not be surprised to also learn, that this man is the most peaceful, joyful person I have ever met in the real world (outside of a monastery or ashram). He is a living example of forgiveness and compassion. When I asked him to expand upon his values, he replied:
“It is really bonding with your fellow man in a way where there is mutual respect and mutual help. Many people talk about tolerance. It is not that. It is more than that. Tolerance has its superiority, inferiority aspect. It is really mutual respect where we look at the human being, every human being, as a unique person and we help and respect one another. And with that attitude, that feeling, people trust you, and you trust them. This is mutual trust.”
Mutual trust is a commodity in short supply in the world today.
Personally, I have found it to be true that the more people travel and the more that they are exposed to other countries, their people and cultures, the more their patriotic fervour and nationalistic associations begin to subside, to be replaced by what my friend speaks of. Universal compassion towards, and respect for, your fellow man.
You see, the guy over there who you think is not like you, because you have labelled him Muslim, Jew, Christian, Atheist, Black, White, or whatever else, is in reality, just like you. He is doing the best he can given the circumstances in which he currently finds himself - just like you and me.
“This person, just like me, is trying to find happiness in his/her own way.
This person, just like me, is struggling with life’s problems.
Unite under the Flag of Humanity
It is nationalism and religion which together have been responsible for most of the wars, bloodshed and killing throughout history.
Yes, the fact that someone was raised in a different country with a different culture and tradition does make them different. BUT we should learn to celebrate these differences, whilst uniting under the same banner; the flag of humanity.
We are all citizens of the world; we are all part of Humanity. We are all members of the club called the human race. No-one is excluded from this club.
Regrettably, too few of us remember to use our membership card on a regular basis, and restrict its use to times such as Christmas, when “goodwill to all men” prevails.
So if you feel the need to wave a flag, put away the start and stripes, the union jack, or the tri-couleur, and instead wave the flag of humanity. Take out your membership card for the club called the human race and use it.
Do you remember my friend’s motto? Here it is again
“Above all Races, Ranks, and Religions comes Humanity”.
Now, how’s that for an International anthem? All together now, let’s sing . .
.
END
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FP - of course you are right. We can't all be like him, but we can be a little bit like him, in our own individual way. I think it is living in different countries which changes us. I was born in England, but I no longer have a vested interest in England or things English, and feel no need to defend them. If anything, I am European, but the longer that I live in Central America, the more I associate with this culture and values. In time, the nationalistic boundaries become blurred, and all that is left are human beings, and underneath, we are all the same. Plus, from a spiritual viewpoint, we are all united, all made of the same "stuff", all One (in my humble opinion).
I don't think I could ever tell you how much I loved each and every thought in this hub! This is exactly what we need 'mutual respect' for each other, more than religious fervor or wars. Although originally from south asia, I have spent half my life traveling the globe and have finally settled down in london...yet a part of me has loved and carried all those cultures with me...and it's been a real privilege. anyway, thank you for this absolutely wonderful hub!
myownworld - thank you so much for your comments. I have read your hubs too. They are full of heart, and you have a wisdom and generosity of spirit that is the mark of an evolved soul.
Been waving that flag for many a year! I come from a tiny island most people never heard of & my origins are all mixed up so I have a distinct appearance which intrigues many folk & its crazy how much their human brains struggles till they can apparently "figure out where I come from!" Never has anyone ever got it right & most of the time I refuse to ease their discomfort and like your beautiful friend I say the truth... "I am from the world and my nationality, Earthling!" Thanks for this lovely hub! Joys! TG
Terence, thanks again for your comments. Keep on waving the flag!
Universal compassion and respect! We can't foster it enough. You're right about the global world subsiding some of the animosity - I've noticed it myself and isn't it grand! Thank you for such a well written hub. I'll be sharing it.
I'm a patriot - my country is the world!
Love and peace
Tony
What a brilliant, caring, loving, moving and human touch your hub has shown to me. Humanity at it's best. I have met people of the likes you write about here. They place humanity above everything else from the beggars in the street's to the Donald Trump's in our world.
I just wrote a poem Mike and me expressing my humanity shared with a one time Professor, now a homeless addict on the mean streets of a city. Peace my friend and thank you for making us aware, I am humbled and will do my best to continue to live under your friends motto.
“Above all Races, Ranks, and Religions comes Humanity”.
Feline Prophet Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
People like your friend restore our faith in humanity, but how many of us could achieve his equanimity? We're all held hostage by labels and years of conditioning...