Ecotrain QOTW: If 50% of the defence budgets of the 10 biggest nations was given to philanthropic causes, would we see more or less war and violence in the world?
Will reducing the money spent on wars prevent wars, even if the deficit goes to philanthropic causes make a difference?
In my idealistic world I would love to say yes, of course it would, the money saved could be used to end world poverty and balance out the resources from the first world to the third world.
And World Peace of course.
But, even I know that wouldn’t happen…
My personality differs from your personality, there will always something to argue/debate about. Something I think is worth getting my opinion across about, despite what you think.
Although personally I am easy going and I will listen to understand someone's opinion and even attempt to understand why they think the way they do. There are few things that rile me (unless you happen to be one of my children).
It is just unfortunate that world leaders seem to turn these ‘debates’ into wars and oneupmanship. A fight that doesn't care about the innocent causalties.
There have always been wars and money is not always the deciding factor, or causing factor. In fact, in is in many cases it is differences in religion that causes wars and tears cultures apart.
In the same way one philanthropic cause may not be someone’s else’s view of a philanthropic cause. How do you decide who needs the most help when the world is full of people who need help?
From basic needs to mental health, poverty and natural disasters and everything in between, it is so difficult to say that one person deserves help over another.
The Glimmer of Hope
As humans, we do all have one thing in common and that is compassion and the majority of us have a modicum of empathy too (except the the narcissist psychos, that many very empathic people seem to make come out the woodwork, or seem to make it into politics).
We can understand, or attempt to understand by thinking about waht it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes and why they might have the thoughts that are contrary to yours, or understanding why the take the actions they do.
If supporting philanthropic causes could somehow spread the message of compassion throughout the world and accepting people even if they are ‘different’ to us, then maybe there would be less wars and more peace.
Many people seem to be stuck in their own bubbles, with little regard for the rest of the world. But if somehow the media could be infiltrated with positivity and truth not propaganda and lies to keep us ‘under control’, then a spark of hope lives on as this being a solution.
It wouldn't be too hard to infilitrate the media, would it?
Not impossible anyhow.
I will leave you with that thought.
@hopehuggs <3
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I believe that by investing money into strategic deterrerence we become a whale with loads of power. It causes other countries to abide by our rules or else we hurt them. What I feel crypto currency is doing is forming alternative methods to make one self powerful, and in some coins, the ability empower others (steemit). Philanthropic participation perhaps takes those who have the courage to drop their nationalism in exchange to learn about another part of the world. It takes our first world knowledge and practice of wholeness and wellness to engage others in empathy and compassion. I don't choose where the world is in need for the most help. I set on a path my heart is most interested in, because, no matter what "level" of suffering you take on, there is always someone out there who has it worse. Dwelling on whose hole is deeper is an investor FUDing around. We make our own source of media, with people who want to devote their life to philatropic efforts and like witnesses, if you are stuck in your bubble, you have a means to empower those you believe in. Steemit can create super heroes in the community. Thank you for your post, I'm sorry if my comment is strange, but I felt compelled to write my heart out after reading this.
just like double edged sword. peace through ammunition
its a funny world
You came up with amazing ideas great we are with you in this generation.
The truth is that the sales of war machinery is great business some countries. And I do not see any reduction in the money invested into war. Philantropic purposes is not as profitable at all... as a matter of fact, these people will lose a great deal of money by investing into humanitarian services. Though to me I believe that reducing the amount of money spend on defense and war tools... will actually make it less attractive and as a result, there will be a smaller number of people who will be interested in it. Since it isnt really profitable anymore
This is reasons why more NGO are coming in to help change things. Most of the NGO are owned by Philanthropist and doing their bit. If money on war is given to them, in few years the world will know peace
but that's how world goes they want to fight more :(
I know i'm only a dreamer but i'm not the only one
i hope some day you may join us
and live in peace as one
This is awesome job this is why your blog is so special.
Quite a thought-provoking article. As far as wars are concerned, perhaps we should put the leaders who start them in the forefront of the advance. Imagine if world leaders actually had to go out there and fight. How keen would they be then on starting wars?
Oh, I wish more people thought like you did. I find it so frustrating to see how the people in charge handle such important issues. It's mind boggling. Run for office, @hopehuggs!