Hello Thoughtful People,
Have you ever been struck by a question so powerful that it lingers in your mind long after it’s been posed? Recently, I encountered one such question: “ What does humanity need the most right now? ” It was asked by an insightful individual whose curiosity sparked a profound reflection within me. This question, with its resonance, becomes not just relevant but essential as we journey into 2025, especially for this Sparkling Minds community. In this post, I’ll dive into the layers of this intriguing question and share the enlightening response I received, which deepened my understanding and rejuvenated my belief in the human spirit. Join me on this exploration as we uncover what truly matters for our collective future!
Okay, when I read the question, I thought it was a very profound question that deserved a detailed response. I started by asking the question, what is humanity? We hear it almost daily, so what does it mean? Well, humanity is you and I, the human race. Despite our differences in physical/external attributes, sexual orientation, ethnic groups, or religious backgrounds, we are all connected by our shared humanity. This shared humanity is what makes us all the same. It is why blood and organ donors of the same type can help others in need regardless of their different external structures, ethnic groups, or belief systems.
Now, having established that we are the same as we belong to the human race, it means our basic needs are also the same. We need the basic needs of food, water, clothing, and shelter to survive no matter what our differences in our places of origin or what we believe in, which makes us human. Back to the question, what do we need most right now? I answered the individual further by stating that what we need most right now is dependent on what we are most affected by on a global scale. We live in different geographical locations, so we might be affected by various weather conditions, i.e., extreme hot or cold weather conditions, which are opposite. However, what we all need right now is a current issue that affects us all at the same time across the globe. The question now is, what is a common problem right now that is affecting everyone, both the rich and the struggling around the world? Right now, we all are going through the current economic crisis called inflation; some might call it recession. This crisis is not just a number on a chart; it’s a reality that the rich might not have as much profit as they used to, and the struggling are trying to make ends meet as the prices of everything have gone up while they are still earning the same amount of income as before without any pay increase. It’s a situation that calls for empathy and understanding.
Therefore, my thoughts on what humanity needs most right now in this economic crisis are empathy! What is empathy? It is the ability to look beyond oneself into another’s to understand their situation. We are all caught up with what is suitable for us alone, which is not a bad thing, like the airplane concept of putting your mask first before helping another to put on their own. Yes, but at some point, after looking after yourself, you need to help others. Empathy breeds understanding, which is the key to fostering compassion and kindness. The human race, or humanity in a high percentage, has proven not to show empathy, be it from the corporate world or even in personal situations.
In the corporate world, we have individuals who see themselves as leaders but lack empathy, which is one of the most essential attributes of being a good leader. Remember, we are humans first before anything, meaning we might forget what people say to us or what they do to us, but we will never forget how people make us feel. So, imagine if our corporate world has leaders that show some level of empathy. I understand that we need to run a business, and companies need to make money; I get that. However, empathy will help create strategies for approaching people better; remember, people will not forget how you make them feel. In response, I shared a situation where a company, due to a recession, will need to lay off some staff. Now, they have to do it as the company is not making a profit; however, empathy will help approach the situation to the laid-off staff, which will make the impact less undesirable as being laid off in itself is unpleasant. Showing empathy might not solve the problem, but it will approach the matter in a way that the staff being laid off will know it’s not about them; it’s just the effects of the economic situation, which is beyond anyone’s control.
I also shared the personal situation of a tenant who always pays their rent on time, but due to this economic crisis, they delay in paying their rent. The landlords have a business to run and maintain; however, if they show some level of empathy, they can agree with that tenant to give a grace period to make up their rent. This is not just a gesture of kindness; it’s a beacon of hope in a difficult situation. As long as the tenant does not abuse such privileges and adheres to making payments within that agreed grace period, they will never forget how the landlord made them feel by showing empathy, understanding their situation, and being compassionate to be kind enough to give them a grace period. This can foster goodwill and trust, paving the way for a more positive tenant-landlord relationship in the future.
I can go on and on about using real experiences to explain why empathy is what we need most right now. It’s a rare quality that is desperately needed in our world. People lack it, especially if they need to portray it and show examples of good leaders. Show me a good and exemplary leader, and I will tell you one that demonstrated some level of empathy.
Another point I shared with the individual in my answer is empathy will help us listen to each other. We are quick to pass our messages across without even listening. There is something I learned from the late President Nelson Mandela, who was one of the most outstanding leaders as he portrayed servant leadership, i.e., basically leading by serving others to become better versions of themselves. I learned from him The Act of Listening. It means the ability to listen to someone to the extent that you understand the undertone of what they have said. It is a skill because after listening to them, your response will be so impactful that it will make them feel honestly heard and remembered, and they will not forget how you made them feel. Empathy encourages it, which makes people feel important even though they have to be laid off or pay their rent in an economic recession, fostering understanding and trust.
Therefore, my thoughtful people, we all need to fully understand what empathy is, so we can show it to others in the little ways that we can. The instances I gave are just a few among many other situations, but the same principle of empathy applies. You do not have to be rich to show empathy, and even though you are struggling, you can show empathy in your little ways by engaging in the act of listening; people will be drawn to you as they will not forget how you make them feel, which makes you valuable, and guess what attracts value, success! So, do you see how all these are linked together?
As we venture into 2025, let’s remember the power of empathy, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Regardless of our financial status or social standing, we are all human beings first. My answer inspired the person who asked me this question, and their reaction was a humbling reminder of the power of empathy. I appreciate their understanding and connection.
So, Sparkling Minds, remember that your thoughts on what humanity needs the most right now are important. We are a community that values each other’s perspectives, and we learn and grow together through open and respectful dialogue in the comment section below.
Until the next post, xoxo…
Stay Thoughtful!x
Stay Thoughtful!x
Sparkles,
We genuinely need empathy during this time. I have many takeaways from this very insightful post. However, the one I want to emphasize is that while empathy may not provide a direct solution, it creates strategies that make the situation less undesirable using your words. That is very true; it helps to lighten the circumstances.
I enjoyed this read. Please keep this consistent; I am learning a lot!
Thank you!
😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰 I loveee!!!
Again another powerful post!!!!
I love how the you encourage people to think deeply about the concept of “humanity” and what we collectively need to address our shared challenges. Very reflective and empathetic approach to exploring this question. It is inspiring and thought-provoking. I love how you highlight the importance of unity, understanding, and collective action in addressing global issues, which is a powerful and timely message.