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Alleviating Suffering in the World: What Can We Do? |
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Living in this world, we face many challenges and hardships that cause
suffering. Although some of the suffering is due to accidents and natural
disasters, it is still heart-wrenching to see people suffer. While philosophers
and religions have attempted to explain the cause of unmerited suffering, we
must focus on how to alleviate it. Here are some ways we can help reduce
suffering in the world.
Firstly, if we can replace selfishness and hatred with unselfishness and love,
this would go a long way towards the alleviation of suffering. Wars have been
prevalent throughout history, either caused by aggression or greed. With the
proliferation of nuclear weapons, there has been a more horrific dimension to
wars since 1945. We must restrict the arms trade and work towards multilateral
disarmament to reduce the suffering caused by war.
Secondly, political oppression and brutality to dissenters still exists in many
parts of the world. It is necessary to exert pressure on autocracies to prevent
torture and physical and mental degradation. The democratization of much of
Eastern Europe is a step forward in the right direction.
Thirdly, religious fanaticism has been a problem throughout the ages. We must
follow the principle of "Do unto others as you would they do unto you," which is
common to all true religious beliefs. We must respect the dignity and basic
rights of the individual.
Fourthly, the poverty of the third world and the cynicism shown by many
third-world leaders must be brought to an end, if necessary by force.
International and voluntary aid is often diverted to the purchase of arms and
the feeding of troops.
Finally, the frailty of the human body itself is a major source of suffering.
Although God allows physical suffering, medical research must not be hampered.
We must provide the green light to research and technology to alleviate or
prevent physical suffering.
In conclusion, the world is full of suffering, and we should work together to
alleviate it. By replacing selfishness and hatred with love, restricting the
arms trade, exerting pressure on autocracies, respecting the dignity and basic
rights of the individual, ending the poverty of the third world, and supporting
medical research, we can work towards a more peaceful and less suffering world. |
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