Fully Guaranteed Future Happiness

 

In a time of uncertainty and disruption, the human wish for stability and continuity becomes urgent. People need to feel that their sacrifices and hard work will bring positive, direct dividends in the future, and that the social structures around them will facilitate and deliver that outcome. This sowing of seeds which will bear fruit in the days to come reflects the operational laws of the natural world, and is true of both creative and destructive acts. Nothing stays still: every day we ourselves through our own choices create the future which we will inhabit. 

The late 20th century has seen rapid change in every way: to such an extent that generational difference means people operate in a completely different value system in the present day than those of the cultural context which formed their predecessors. The danger of short-term  and self-referential thinking, and hasty, desperate, ill-considered action at this juncture is a real danger to the continuity we want. 

The conditions today are different from those of the past: physically, in relation to the climate, and economically, politically and socially too - in lockstep with the mass movements of people through immigration, cultural dislocation and the increase of technology. Industrialization has increased social mobility; and increases aspirations for a better life, abundance and prosperity. We need, desire and feel we deserve better, as our self worth increases. 

When crises occur, the functioning of a system is exposed, the same way our personal coping mechanisms and moral infrastructure are revealed when challenges occur in our individual lives. In our youth, we cannot predict what may happen: events which occur seem random, unforeseeable and often overwhelming. But - ideally - over time, we see patterns in the apparent chaos; we evolve, and our ability to successfully navigate our circumstances increases. In our later years, we look back with understanding that those crises were a prompt to our evolution, and thus a blessing in disguise. 

Those who steer the ship of leadership must think of the future, and equip the younger generation for that future. Short term goals and projects may be newsworthy and personally enriching, but if motivated only by personal ambition, will be ephemeral in effect. As global warming increases, ego-centered benefits will evaporate. 

Wealth and security are not just measured in monetary terms: a functioning economy delivers financial profit; but without moral infrastructure, enshrined in enforceable legislation, the personal security of a country’s citizens will be founded on nothing more than hope. 

The lion centered in the national flag signifies our sovereignty, and stands upright on a field bounded by four golden bo leaves representing foundational moral principles: loving-kindness, friendliness, happiness and equanimity. 

Loving-kindness, decency, recognition of human dignity and goodwill and moral resilience and integrity can flourish in reality only when we can have strong belief in the responsible leadership and good functioning of the social system in which we live. Beliefs that the effort we make as individuals every day generate the prosperity we enjoy and secure continuity for every person’s life, are the index of happiness of a nation. 

For our own investment in our lives as individuals to be meaningful, and to bear the dividends we desire, we must plan for the future. This is equally true of us as a nation. Our younger generation, from all ethnic groups, who are currently expressing their views and opinions on social media, on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram, the influencers and thought leaders, could be drafting legislation and enacting policy, and actively creating the world in which they will live, instead of merely responding with verbal outrage, cynicism and despair to the shortfalls in the one they have been born into. 

Responsible leadership now would train and equip the next generation, and increase the choices available to the voting population, instead of perpetuating a mindset of frustration, passivity and helplessness. The energy, articulacy, intelligence, insight and sincere love of country which we see in our younger citizens could then transition into actual responsibility, instead of being relegated to the marginalised status of mere outbursts of reactivity by social media bans and the self-serving ambitions of their elders. 

Education would be accessible, enriched, practical, effective, and goal-oriented. Effective leadership based on realism and foresight would equip the next leaders for the future; and prepare them with skills and awareness to design a country they can not only love, but be entirely proud of: which could be connected profitably to the wider world without fear of losing its sovereignty, autonomy and independence.