The very thing that defines us internally - as humanity, the living beings gifted so gracefully with the ability to change the world around us though external projection of our ingenuity - is our consciousness. For most of our history we used to extend control over such an insignificant fraction ...
The very thing that defines us internally - as humanity, the living beings gifted so gracefully with the ability to change the world around us though external projection of our ingenuity - is our consciousness. For most of our history we used to extend control over such an insignificant fraction of power that even a common person living in one of today's first world countries holds more possibilities and has more convenient life than a noble in the late medieval period. Better healthcare, better food, ability to communicate across the globe - those are just a few examples of how much easier some of us have it. Our mentality, however, have not yet evolved to the same level represented by the technology we've access to. In order to fully use and thoroughly command the external fruits of our advancement as humanity without our world being corrupted we have to ditch our medieval mentality. We have to become the nation of buddhas.
Only by individually achieving the peace of mind - complete and undisturbed balance of a true saint - and ultimately getting as close to objectivity as possible, we'll be able to create a nation - or a system - free of corruption. One that is able to fully take advantage of our capabilities and future potential. One that is capable of noticing and destroying evil before it hatches. A system where division has no place for everyone has learned to use their own mind. World of compassion, where feelings are not wasted. World full of high-minded people whose honesty, kindness and mental strength does not allow for any manipulation, greed nor exploitation to fester. Individuals ready to give anyone a chance, but not afraid to repulse those who take such chances lightly.
A pretty picture for most, sure. But is it achievable?
No. Not while we keep relying on old mindsets and fears. The change has to start with the individual - and in the end help the individual. To develop consciousness should become a goal of our civilization concurrent to technological advancement. Spiritual training that results in peaceful, stable and stalwart consciousness should be incorporated into every willing person's daily life through widespread education free of any ideology. It could translate to anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes of daily training. The benefits of a society adhering to such a relatively lax regime are immeasurable, even on a small scale. From lowering the crime rate to overall life enjoyment -the quality of life in a society collectively practicing spiritual exercises is something that is hard to imagine in today's world. Introducing such an idea on a large scale is a way of changing the world into a place where we can further develop not only as individuals but as a whole human race.
Spirituality shouldn't be something to laugh at by non-believers, nor is technology evil by itself. The merger between the two is the only way forward for humanity - and we shall either eventually embrace it or be met with a complete destruction of the world as we know it and total forfeiture of the legacy of our predecessors.