Challenges to Global Unity: Selfishness, Not Language or Religion

One common question posed is whether language barriers or religious differences serve as major barriers to global unity. However, the truth is far from either of these. The real obstacle to world peace and unity is a deeper issue: selfishness.

Throughout history, people have managed to overcome significant linguistic and religious divides for centuries. The ability to bridge these gaps has been demonstrated time and again, as evidenced by:

Overcoming Language Barriers

For thousands of years, despite myriad languages, humanity has learned to communicate and live together. This is a testament to our adaptability and collective intelligence. People often form bridges of understanding through trade, art, and cultural exchange, even in the absence of a commonly spoken language.

Harmonious Coexistence Despite Religious Differences

Religious diversity has existed for millennia, and communities of all faiths have coexisted peacefully. For instance, prior to conflicts such as the Crusades or the wars of religion in Europe, Christians, Muslims, Jews, and others lived harmoniously in close proximity. Despite having vastly different religious beliefs, they managed to form shared communities and thrive together.

The Role of Selfishness

The reason for these conflicts and the breakdown of harmonious coexistence is ultimately rooted in selfishness. Human beings have an innate capacity to form divisions and to create 'us versus them' narratives. Whether it's religious or nationalistic fervor, this tendency to demonize others and prioritize personal interests over collective well-being has led to countless acts of violence and suffering.

Europe as a Case Study

Europe provides a poignant example of how much divisiveness can arise from a shared religious and cultural background. Despite the prevalent Christian faith in Europe, Christians actually inflicted more violence on each other than on non-Christians. This is exemplified in wars such as the Thirty Years' War or the various conflicts within Europe throughout history.

The Former Yugoslavia and Scandinavia

In regions where people share the same language and religion, such as the former Yugoslavia and Scandinavia, internal conflicts have still arisen. The people of the former Yugoslavia, despite speaking the same language, engaged in vicious and brutal wars. Similarly, despite common linguistic and religious backgrounds, Scandinavians have long had a history of persecution and conflict.

Contemporary Efforts Towards Global Unity

Despite these historical challenges, there have been significant efforts and progress towards global unity in recent times. One of the most notable examples is the Bahá'í movement, which advocated for peace and international cooperation.

The Bahá'í Advocacy for Global Peace

Bahá'ís have long championed the idea of a representative world parliament and an international court to resolve disputes. During the aftermath of World War I, the Bahá'í community supported peace conferences and the formation of the League of Nations, an early precursor to the United Nations.

The Role of Esperanto

Furthermore, initiatives like the Esperanto movement aimed to promote a universal auxiliary language. Lydia Zamenhoff, a Bahá'í, played a significant role in promoting the adoption of Esperanto, believing it could help reduce linguistic barriers and foster global understanding.

Modern Developments in World Communication

While the League of Nations disbanded and the world faced World War II, the formation of the United Nations as a post-war entity represents a significant step towards global governance. Since then, technological advancements have further bridged global gaps, with the advent of the internet and GPS enhancing international communication and collaboration.

Conclusion

In summary, while language and religion have historically been cited as obstacles to unity, the core issue remains selfishness. Through initiatives such as the Bahá'í movement and modern technological advancements, we have made progress in fostering a more connected and peaceful world. Moving forward, it is essential to continue addressing and combating selfishness to achieve true global unity.