It’s inescapable, the human species bears the brunt of COVID-19 in one way or another. But at other times, there’s the stress of a job, the pressures to get by, by collecting a green piece of paper that we collectively assign value to. Or the pressures of reproduction, the tale of that jilted lover who is stifled by the object of his infatuation, or maybe it’s just the frustrating commute and the inefficiencies of the government that gets to us. Occasionally, that makes one wonder if it wouldn’t be better to live life as a pet Labrador who gets to live quite a carefree and comfortable life. The species has its ups and downs, the march of technology has provided us the luxuries of kings but, at the same time, poverty, malnutrition, disease, violence, competition, destruction and anger is commonplace. Universally, the species is under constant suffering, (millions die each year, needlessly because of lack of access to healthcare, 17million die each year due to cardiovascular disease, 80% of Non-Communicable Disease deaths happen in poor and low-income countries, according to WHO. It is the poorest of the poor that suffer the most. In terms of inequality, it\’s always those that lack the right background that receives the worst of things- education, minimal opportunities for employment, access to capital, and growth. The typical market structure favors the more resource-rich, the climate is only getting worse and all the nations are falling short on their targets toward the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes (IPCC) objectives of cutting back on emissions. Unemployment is at a new high and the economy is set to go on a roller-coaster ride.

Angels Among Us:

Yet, somehow, there are always people out there that are trying to address the concerns of the world and they are doing a fine job in addressing grievous issues. But, it’s never been enough and it’s always too late. Improved technology and media have become great equalizers in an otherwise unfair world. Today, we can live a longer average life, we can connect to people at the touch of a button and we’ve made significant strides in addressing climate concerns. But, at the same time, we have bred newer issues such as obesity, failing mental health, excess competition,
Some ways that have people address problems in the world:

A) Raise awareness:
One of the most incredible movements towards awareness is that of climate change where nations united together and resolved to reduce harm to the environment. But this movement looks slated to not meet its goals in time.

B) Become a community at different levels:
Many times, local communities come together to create a massive impact on society locally. A fine example of which was the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement led by celebrated social warrior, Anna Hazare. But, the movement relies on the power of the individual leader and its followers and soon it dies down and fizzles out.

C) Corporate Social Responsibility:
Companies, forcefully or voluntarily give their profits to the benefit of the needy, a noble gesture, and indeed a commendable move for firms such as the Tatas. The gesture goes a long way but it is still not as effective and cannot create large-scale change across nations.

D) Academics:
Science leads to modernization and a better understanding of the world. Economics helps us make sense of the markets and create effective ways in which supply and demand work. Cutting edge research and innovation gives birth to solutions never before thought of. But these take ages to be implemented on the ground due to the number of political, cultural, social, and economic constraints.

E) Governments:
Brilliant governance such as that of Sweden or Norway excels in providing an incredible life that aims at alleviating our external problems. The worst of us, like Somalia, create a living hell. But, our citizenship isn’t often in our hands and so as individuals, we are doomed to be part of that identity.
Further, compound that with the problems of daily life, nobody cares that the Indian man works 2500 hours each year whereas the German one works 1300 hours each year for the same pay. No one cares about the worker who doesn’t have anywhere to go and nothing to do if the world economy is jeopardized or the factory is closed. The worker must slog, as Marx put it, in constant oppression to the capitalist who pays him much less and makes him overworked. Alternatively, we feel that our democratic government is pressing us by taking decisions that we don’t like. Astrophysicist Neil Tyson got angry letters from people when NASA received funding, from their tax money and his response was hilarious. It pointed to space exploration as being the birthplace of many innovations in the first place and thereby helped present a clearer picture that made these folks apologize.

The Real Revolution?

Maybe, then the larger issue here that we always have a problem with life is that we haven’t been looking in the right place at all. And perhaps the solution is actually within us rather than outside of ourselves?
Krishna says to Arjuna, “Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Faleshu Kadachan” which means that one must fulfill their duty irrespective of their fruit. What he implies is that one must look to become the best versions of themselves internally while performing any action. The Roman Emporer Marcus Aurelius writes, in his book Meditations to “look within, within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up if thou wilt ever dig”. He means that we must look at ourselves. There have been great men across the ages that have reflected this same philosophy of looking at ourselves objectively, of self-reflection, of understanding the workings of the body, of the mind, of the desires, aversions which can slowly help us to make sense of the world. Perhaps, it is only by sitting still, with eyes closed and arms open on the knees, that we can truly obtain a deeper sense of the self. Maybe then, we can wake up as individuals. Then, we can begin to understand the nature of the world around us for what it is. Maybe, we will be able to live in true love, peace, and harmony. The journey is a long and arduous one, and the individual must definitely meet their daily needs as Abraham Maslow elegantly puts it, but perhaps it is that highest state that is the one worth seeking. Then, we can begin to find the answers to the problems of the world in a radically revolutionary manner, driven not by violence, greed, ambition but by a deeper understanding and true love born of the depth of complete knowing.