Reflections on the Connection of Service to Morality and Humanity: A World View
Posted on: June 11, 2013Chicago
Post written by CHC member Jenny Carson
Jenny serves at the American Cancer Society as a Colorectal Cancer Screening Health Educator and Screening Navigator
The University of Chicago's Institute of Politics recently hosted a conversation with Nobel Peace Prize winner Eli Wiesel to discuss his life-long commitment to the moral responsibility of all people to fight intolerance, indifference, and injustice. Finishing up my year as an AmeriCorps member, I was able to listen to this discussion through a new lens, and understand that humanity must exist in ethos, or in spirit and abiding by characteristics, of a holistic collective of everyone on this earth. Humanity is only as best as the sum of all individuals.
Wiesel spoke about current events from the past year, ranging from gun violence to relations with Syria. His words gave me hope for a future led by those involved in humanitarian work and service. By summarizing some of his statements, I hope to reinvigorate the belief in service and the human morality in all of us:
1. Nothing justifies violence, whether in the name of'God" or in defiance of a force greater than one's self. Violence is a human rights issue deeply rooted in more than just politics or isolated laws.
2. Instead of focusing on the divisions that exist among politicians and the negativity perpetuated by modern society, focus on believing in humanity.
3. Empathy is a choice and a way of thinking that allows humanity to conduct itself according to moral leadership. Our relationship to one another is what actually defines us as simply an individual part of a collective human whole.
4. America is still the greatest nation in the world and acts on moral issues more than any other nation in the world. As an idealistic democratic nation, Americans have the ability to intervene on national and global scales.
5. Currently, America should focus on poverty and the growing division of socioeconomic classes in the United States. America is a generous nation and we must continue to help those in need.
Mr. Wiesel ended his discussion calling on all young people to strive to develop solutions to the issues we are faced with today. While young people may feel crushed by modern society, he reminds us that the silence that comes from uncertainty illuminates the path towards acceptance and justice. As we finish up our service year and look towards each of our own uncertain paths, we should move forward remaining actively engaged in human rights and social justice principles.