It seems that ordinary people must now do extraordinary things—simply because the time has come. The conscience of the world is awakening as a deeper meaning of existence and wider purpose is revealed. It is not by accident that we are born on the cusp of a new era. There is a planetary job to fulfill as we experience the turbulence and change of what some are calling the Great Transition.
This issue of Kosmos is inspired by the thousands of citizens of the world prepared to offer their gifts for the realization of a new culture, a new worldview and an emerging planetary civilization. Science declared our interdependence as television brought us visual images of two billion people on our planet living lives of desperation and extreme poverty. It became increasingly difficult to dance the night away. The situation became even more horrifying when we realized that there was no one in charge of this vast planet and all its diverse peoples and life forms. That is right. There is no one in charge. We realize we can no longer wait for someone else to begin to change the course of history. It is up to us. This is an amazing discovery for so many of us that feel like very ordinary people, simply trying to live a responsible life of truth, beauty and goodness.
Who are the movers and shakers of the world today? The notable worldwide advancements in human rights, democracy, environment, rights of women, humanitarian aid and the right to information were initiated by groups of ordinary citizens like you and me. Nobel Peace Prize winners such as Wangari Maathai and Jody Williams are well known for their extraordinary contributions. What is less known are the increasing numbers of global citizens who are offering their lives and resources to create inspired projects that can change the course of history. Jeremy Gilley convinced the General Assembly of the UN to name September 21st as the International Day of Peace; a day now celebrated worldwide by millions. There are thousands of Jeremy Gilley’s in the world. We offer this issue of Kosmos in honor of the many effective and dedicated pioneers of the new planetary civilization.
Brian Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker set the context as they lead us on an exciting evolutionary journey from our origins to the present; one humanity beginning to take responsibility for its own future. Gillian Sorensen engages us in her remarkable story and in the many dimensions of global citizenship. Evocative visuals illustrate the potentially conflicting scales of loyalty from family, nation, global and kosmic affiliations. Others explore innovative forms of governance, civil society and corporations in a global society. Efforts to unite humanity as one family and the need for participatory democracy provide more insights. We expose the illusions of idealistic dreams without action and the ineffectiveness of the present world order, while the importance of inner global citizenship balances the active approach. Our readers offer a kaleidoscope of approaches from diverse cultures, while youth add their passionate plea for a new worldview. Finally, Kosmos honors with deep love and respect our own Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, an outstanding global citizen.
Beauty is a key value of the harmonious and ordered Kosmos. Its power to transform fills the pages of Kosmos with the exquisite art of Ulrich Soeder, Harold Feinstein and Bert Shankman’s pages on Seeing Through the Eyes of Love.
The great task of our times and the mission of Kosmos is to build a compassionate and sustainable planetary civilization. As engaged global citizens we can make a difference—the kind of difference that counts for so much in the lives of so many.
