Forgiveness

"To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest. It is also a process that does not exclude hatred and anger. These emotions are all part of being human. You should never hate yourself for hating others who do terrible things: the depth of your love is shown by the extent of your anger.

However, when I talk of forgiveness I mean the belief that you can come out the other side a better person. A better person than the one being consumed by anger and hatred. Remaining in that state locks you in a state of victimhood, making you almost dependent on the perpetrator. If you can find it in yourself to forgive then you are no longer chained to the perpetrator. You can move on, and you can even help the perpetrator to become a better person."

Desmond Tutu

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TRANSCEND-USA Conference Workshop with Dr. Johan Galtung hosted by UNC Greensboro Conflict Studies and Dispute Resolution Program May 21-22, 2010

Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism.

'Rethinking Prosperity' is topic for panel at United Nations
12 May 2010

NEW YORK — Professor Tim Jackson doesn't hold back when describing today's consumer culture:
"We are encouraged to spend money we don't have, on things we don't need, to create impressions that don't last, on people we don't care about."

Professor Jackson, a member of the Sustainable Development Commission of the United Kingdom, made his comments at a panel discussion held this week in conjunction with the current session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development.

The Baha'i International Community cosponsored the discussion, titled "Rethinking Prosperity: Forging Alternatives to a Culture of Consumerism." (click link to statement)

Countries are being driven further into debt – not to mention potential environmental catastrophe – by levels of consumerism that do not contribute to sustainability, Professor Jackson said.

The answer, the panelists proposed, is to reconsider the nature of the consumer culture that relentlessly urges people to adopt a lifestyle based on the acquisition of new and more material goods.... (read on)