The Responsibility of Interconnectedness
“There is no such thing as a separate object, event, or experience, because no part of the world can exist apart from all others. Rather, everything that looks like a separate entity is actually dependent on, and therefore interwoven with, something else.”
The web of interconnection outlined throughout this module contrasts with the idea that we are rugged individuals who survive exclusively by our own actions. This recognition frees us from a lifetime of loneliness and ignorance and connects us with the vast expanse of emotions, thoughts, relationships, and material objects that make us who we are. However, the recognition of interconnectivity comes with a necessary call to responsibility. If we are the air we breathe, then our own well-being is contingent on the quality of the air around us. If we are the relationships we cherish, then we are responsible for maintaining those relationships. If we are the society we live in, then we are responsible for making that society a just and equitable place for all who live within it. Taking responsibility for all of the elements of our interconnected web of life can be both incredibly meaningful and incredibly overwhelming. In this section we will describe how to live meaningfully and responsibly in your sphere of influence in order to enhance the well-being of yourself and those around you.
Global Interconnectedness
Over the last hundred years, our interconnection on the global scale has expanded exponentially. In the early 1900’s, we could expect our behaviors to impact hundreds to thousands of people, but with the creation of the internet and the globalization of our societies, our behaviors now have the potential of impacting millions or even billions of people. From how many flights we take a year to what we post on social media, our behaviors may contribute to international movements or permanently change our climate. What is our responsibility in this increasingly interconnected world? And how can we use this increased interconnection to enhance flourishing for everyone?
Personal Actions In An Interconnected World
Sometimes just thinking about the opportunities and privileges we have living in a wealthy society can lead to feeling stuck—you may want to help others but feel like your actions don’t matter or that you simply don’t know how to help. After all, the very definition of interconnectedness suggests that meaningful changes are a result of systems working together rather than the result of distinct actions or individuals. However, if systems are made of people, then systemic change occurs as a result of changes on the individual level. Our recognition of our opportunities and privilege can lead to a sense of gratitude rather than shame, and we can use those opportunities to help other people in small but meaningful ways.
Thinking of your own life, what are some of the small ways that people have used their resources and time to help you? Perhaps it was parents taking you to school, maybe it was a friend taking time to talk, or a teacher spending the afternoon teaching you a difficult concept. These actions fell within this individual’s domain of influence, and while these actions were miniscule in the scheme of things, they were personally meaningful to you. How can you personally share your resources and time to help loved ones and people less fortunate than yourself?