Ghandiji

Mohandis Ghandi, affectionately known as “Mohatma Ghandiji,” or “great soul,” is a hero of mine; although, I have recently listened to a present-day social altruism worker describe a way to look to geniuses and heroes but remain aware that they, too, are/were human.. this is a method to ensure that we don’t hold others on a pedestal an think that we’re unable to act & stand for for social change.

I love the idea of non-violence. Peace flows effortlessly from this notion. As a voluntaryist, I strongly support the non-aggression principle [N.A.P.]. This is a very well-thought out notion of refraining from aggressive, or violent, action unless in a situation of immediate self-defense. I think the N.A.P. is the best adaptation of Ghandian-style non-violence because there are definitely scenarios in which violence may be the only appropriate moral option [fear for yours or another’s life, for ex].

Spirituality and free will are discussed by Sam Harris in the book Waking Up. The secular notion of ‘spirit’ as breathe is intriguing and supports the N.A.P. Harris has described a compelling moral landscape in this book, others, and his podcast, which I regularly follow. Effective altruism, the idea that we should give what we can to help those in the “developing” world,  is another idea I’ve gathered from Harris’ work. I appreciate the resources he’s shared regarding ethical charities.

I think that egalitarianism and cosmopolitanism are very important in an increasingly globalized world. We’re all in this life together, but there are a variety of wicked social problems that need to be addressed. Let’s each find our purpose and work toward what we were born to do.