Breathe
By Arlen Solodkin
In our quest for understanding human progress, the concept of meliorism often emerges as a guiding light. The word "meliorism" comes from the Latin "melior," meaning "better." Meliorism is the belief that the world can be improved through human effort. Unlike unwavering optimism, which assumes that all will be well, or pessimism, which sees little hope for improvement, meliorism strikes a balance. It recognizes the complexities of life while holding on to the belief that we can have a positive impact.
William James, a prominent philosopher and psychologist, once said, "The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will last." This quote resonates deeply with the principles of meliorism. It reminds us that our actions today can contribute to a better tomorrow, not only for ourselves, but for future generations.
Meliorism encourages a pragmatic approach to progress. Rather than waiting for change to happen on its own, it emphasizes the importance of taking steps - however small - toward improvement. This can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal development, social problems and environmental challenges.
For example, consider a community facing high levels of pollution. A meliorist approach would involve individuals and groups working together to clean up their environment, advocate for policies that promote sustainability and raise awareness of the importance of a healthy planet. It is about recognizing that, while the problem may seem overwhelming, collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.
One of the essential elements of meliorism is awareness. To move forward, we must first understand the challenges we face. This involves critically examining the status quo and recognizing areas in need of improvement. When we approach problems with a mindset of awareness, we become more receptive to innovative solutions and diverse perspectives.
In today's world, problems such as climate change, social injustice and economic inequality are pressing concerns. Meliorism invites us to recognize these problems and take responsibility for our role in solving them. By fostering a mindset of continuous improvement, we can cultivate resilience and adaptability-qualities vital to navigating an ever-changing world.
Meliorism has deep historical roots. It emerged during the Enlightenment, a time when thinkers believed in the power of reason and human agency. Philosophers such as John Dewey and William James contributed significantly to this discourse, arguing that progress is attainable through education, social reform and collective action.
This philosophical legacy remains relevant today. As we face new challenges, the principles of meliorism can guide us in our efforts to create a better future. Instead of being paralyzed by pessimism or overwhelmed by the enormity of problems, we can adopt a proactive stance that prioritizes improvement and growth.
Incorporating meliorism into our daily lives does not require grandiose gestures. Small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. One way to adopt this mindset is by setting realistic goals. Whether personal or professional, reaching these goals can motivate you to move forward, and celebrating small victories along the way helps keep the momentum going. It's also crucial to stay informed; educating yourself about the issues that matter to you and empowering you to contribute to solutions.
Engaging with others can amplify your efforts, as collaborating with like-minded individuals or groups enhances the impact of individual actions. Practicing regular reflection on your experiences and the progress you have made helps you stay focused and motivated. Finally, it is important to embrace failure. Recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of the journey allows you to use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
As we look to the future, the importance of meliorism cannot be underestimated. In a world that often feels divided and chaotic, this philosophy offers a path toward constructive engagement and collective improvement. It encourages us to see challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and improvement.
On November 23-24 at the Hope Circuit international meeting, we will have the privilege of hearing James Pawelski, a world leader in positive psychology, director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the Humanities and Human Flourishing Program. His work on meliorism and human progress aligns perfectly with the themes of this site. His ideas will no doubt inspire attendees to consider how they can contribute to a more hopeful and progressive future.
In conclusion, meliorism teaches us that even if we don't have all the answers we can aspire to improvement through awareness, action and collaboration. By adopting this mindset, we can create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond ourselves. As William James rightly said, the greatest use of our lives lies in contributing to something that lasts. Let's take up that challenge together and work toward a brighter future for all.
**ABOUT HORPE CIRCUIT
Hope Circuit is the international meeting that brings together the most recognized leaders in the fields of integral wellness, happiness and human progress; which will take place on November 23rd and 24th at the Westin Hotel in Santa Fe, as the first of other actions that seek to create a more positive future for Mexico. In the next publications we will share practical tools and the findings of world leaders who will be at Hope Circuit, such as Dr. Martin Seligman, considered one of the most influential psychologists of our times; Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, professor of the most popular course at Harvar University or Andrew Schwartz, director of the World Wellbeing Project, in order to challenge the status quo and enrich our community so that together we can find solutions that will help us build a future of greater optimism, empathy and hope.
IBI
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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