Since time immemorial, the world has been torn between realism and utopianism. Today, more than ever, this duality is in effect, since the global communication system makes it possible to confront schools of thought and ideologies of all kinds; It seems that political campaigns are formulated by merchants who sell utopias and do not dare to present the harsh reality to the citizens. By advertising and using the media, one tries to capture political power for its own sake, without thinking about the common good. It is worth asking whether there is a true understanding of the common good in our countries.

democracy in crisis

Democracy is going through an existential crisis, but the same is true for authoritarianism and populism. The governance of the world is in transition and there is global discontent. The challenges for humanity are enormous, and there is doubt that the capacities of the systems, generated by national and global societies, are capable of guiding people of experience and intelligence towards paths of well-being and fulfillment.

It is worth going back in history to gather experiences that make us think about the present moments. I have just returned from a part of the world that has been plagued by wars since the dawn of civilization. Their geographical location means that these peoples and nations are in constant confrontation due to differences in their values, culture, religious beliefs and vision of their destiny.

a big empty place

I visited the Christian Orthodox monasteries that were the bulwark of these nationalities, guardians of their values ​​and traditions that could stand as banners against the invasion of Mongols, Turks, Persians and, finally, the domain of the communist dictatorship of the then Union of Republics.Soviet Socialists (USSR). These are the countries that today seek their freedom and a better destiny through freedom and rights, instead of imposition by force and oppression. They are looking for a democracy of agreement and not a fratricidal struggle.

It is a pity that the central issues that affect and will have enormous gravity in our lives are noticed in the world debates. Instead, immediate interest prevails, not the vision of long-term statesmen.

culture and democracy

Utopias prevail because they are emotions that are easily manipulated, while realism is an analysis of harsh reality. Of course, it is better for the naïve to be utopian, because it assumes that others will solve this complex problem that they prefer not to look at. This lack of truth keeps the discussion focused on an aspirational level rather than a collective effort to overcome the challenges we have as people, as a nation and as a planet.

If men and women are looking for a better tomorrow for themselves and their descendants, they will have to learn to dialogue, agree and seek mutual agreements. Enough of childish quarrelsome attitudes where conflict for the sake of conflict reigns as in a cockfight. It is time for agreements and intelligent leadership. (OR)