Mind the Gap
We have perhaps all started 2021 with an outlook that is more global in scope than in previous years; our attention being held by the progress of the Coronavirus pandemic, together with ever more urgent calls for a global response to the problems of climate change.
So, on the one hand we are more aware of our dependence on each other and of the need to cooperate rather than compete. We are aware that a life-giving future for ourselves also means (and is dependent upon) a life-giving future for all.
On the other hand, we still maintain a tribal attitude toward our well-being and that is reflected in the widening gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’.
The reality of this widening gap is reflected by some simple yet sober statistics.........
“According to the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report, the world’s richest 1 percent, those with more than $1 million, own 44 percent of the world’s wealth. Their data also shows that adults with less than $10,000 in wealth make up 56.6 percent of the world’s population but hold less than 2 percent of global wealth. Individuals owning over $100,000 in assets make up less than 11 percent of the global population but own 82.8 percent of global wealth. Credit Suisse defines “wealth” as the value of a household’s financial assets plus real assets (principally housing), minus their debts.”
We all play a part in maintaining the Gap, making it wider,
making it smaller or building bridges.
Many of my friends are in the “world’s richest 1%” and I’m also lucky as I’m in the “world’s richest 10%”; but our real richness is to be found in what we give; how we bring life to others and to the world as a whole.
When we look at wealth as a contribution to life, then not only do the statistics change, but we realise that the problems we encounter (from Coronavirus, hunger, poverty and through to Global warming) will only be addressed by our giving toward a better future for all.
Of course, we have not yet found the key to closing the gap, however, if we invest in educating those who ‘have not’ they might be the ones who lead us toward the process of closing the gap.
2021 is a turning point for the world, we’re dealing with (and will overcome) a major pandemic, we are having to address Global warming and other global issues, and the USA is no longer the ‘dream’ so many aspire to.
2021 gives us all an opportunity to re-invent tomorrow.... and “giving” is the mother of invention.