Is the World becoming a better or worse place to be?

Views on this topic are probably as numerous as there are people. Periodically I pick up a newspaper and look at the headlines as a barometer on prevailing attitudes.  I did this last weekend with London’s Evening Standard.

On the downside were headings relating to lies, accusations and tensions:

Fake paramedic treated more than a 100 people

Worst times on trains for 12 years but fares rise 3.1% – employees blamed

G20 summit tensions

It was not a good start to my review. However I went on to find the following headlines. Sadly they were further back in the paper as bad news seems to sell more papers than uplifting news.

Man in world’s most advanced face transplant

Calming tea in story times

Thousands skip school for climate change rallies

Many of us feel that we have no influence on our leaders and general public opinion. I believe, how we each behave affects our collective consciousness in communities at the family, local and national level.

What you think, believe and say does affect those around you.

It is for this reason, if you do not agree with your group’s thinking, you should try to influence it for the better. If you are unable to influence your group, perhaps leaving it would be better than condoning behaviour you do not agree with.

Looking at the more uplifting headlines I am very encouraged that at the personal level compassion and love remain. How generous of a family to donate their son’s face so that another young man can have a second chance at life.

Far from being followers, the young seem prepared to stand up for a better world. I find it really encouraging and perhaps us oldies should listen more….