Every day is a new beginning, so these resolutions continue to be valuable. -Editor New beginnings present opportunities to renew and improve ourselves. If the tick of a new year can motivate us individually, the thunderous clap of a new millennium can arouse us collectively. Certainly some pervasive change is in order. Our relationships with each other and with the environment are so troubled that there might not be much left to celebrate come the end of the next millennium. Coupled with this unique numerical opportunity for reflection is a unique tool for group reflection: the Internet, the most egalitarian means of mass communication yet to evolve on this planet. It enables one individual to propose to an entire group a resolution for the year 2000 (or 2001, if we also want to resolve to be accurate). The best resolutions recognize simple truths and commit to them, sometimes using affirmations as an aid. A resolution for a millennium looks to the big picture and the long term. That means all of us, the whole earth, and for generations, starting with our children. Attitudes toward other peoples and other species are molded during childhood and difficult to change population-wide thereafter. A successful model for inculcating values, via a daily recitation in schools, is America's Pledge of Allegiance. The unifying effect of such a pledge is easily appreciated. However, the flip side of a strong sense of national (or religious) cohesiveness is often the conviction that other peoples are less important or worthy. To say nothing of other species. A more inclusive sense of belonging needs to be fostered. By widening the group to which we feel connected, we narrow the group we feel justified in exploiting or neglecting. We can expand the loyalty we aspire to, in addition to concern for our own nation. It is time to add a more encompassing "world pledge" as a New Millennium's Resolution: A Recognition of Unity I
recognize a vital unity Ideally, this resolution/pledge would be recited daily worldwide, in schools and elsewhere. It is designed to be recited with a cadence similar to that of the Pledge of Allegiance. This is not copyrighted to encourage its free distribution. No contributions are solicited. However, if this resonates for you, please consider doing the following:
Translations are needed in all languages. Let's get this ball rolling!
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