Three Imperatives That Must Be First To Building A Better World

It is hard not to see change as necessary after discussing life, the world, and the future with a millennial. We live in an ever-changing world. But is it changing for the better?

Why are we not building a better world? Is it an unattainable dream of dreamers? Or is it something we are not ready for?

There are ideas to explore for a better, more just world for future generations. Most will never see that world. That is because worlds take time to build and mold, usually generations.

It is a great responsibility that humanity has failed to take seriously. But most people barely touch the world with their limited time. There is the place questions come from.

What does it matter to me? I will not be here. Why is it my responsibility?

Imagine everyone succumbing to those sentiments. It would mean a pretty bleak world. Wait, that is the crux of the problem. 

Those who can have a real and promising impact on the world aren't using their power to mold a better world.

With great power comes great responsibility.

 - Spiderman's Uncle, Ben Parker

Do you know the Parable of the Faithful Servant? It is a biblical story. Jesus tells his disciples that when a servant is in charge of the house, they shouldn't take advantage of their master's absence by carousing and mistreating other servants.

Who should be shouldering more of the responsibility? Who possesses the great power that great responsibility comes with? That's a tricky question and one that many will want to debate. 

In our world, there are three forms of power. There is influence, strength, and wealth. The latter, wealth, can buy you influence and strength. We'll look at the latter power as the one most irresponsibly used. 

A fact about billionaires that stands out is in 2023 there were 748 billionaires in the United States. That number was up from 704 the previous year. 

Another fact about billionaires is that while most of America felt or witnessed economic struggles because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the four years from the start of the pandemic to March of 2024, U.S. Billionaire wealth rose by 88 percent.

Four years after the pandemic there were 737 billionaires in the US with a combined wealth of $5.5 trillion. According to the Institute for Policy Studies calculations on the Forbes Real Time Billionaires list, that was a 2.58 trillion rise in wealth. 

Since March 2024, the numbers have changed. There are now 801 billionaires holding an impressive 6.22 trillion in wealth in the United States. To say that the wealth gap has grown is an understatement.

With all that power, two areas of America are sorely in need of help. Now, we can begin to understand why the elite are being villainized. With that kind of power, failing to use it to lift your fellow man makes you a villain. Without envying them for their success, the other side of the argument still begins to become clear. 

It's Time For Change

Society is overdue for a change, and that is because those with the power to effect real change are woefully failing to do so. 

Problems are lingering that shouldn't be. The problems that linger make the world seem hopeless. It seems that way because it's easy for young people to look at the misery of the world, see how so much abundance is hoarded by so few, and not be able to do anything substantial to change any of it. 

When the top one percenters could step in and solve things like hunger and poverty, but they don't, it makes it hard for those who can't solve the problem to believe it will get better. Consider some of the biggest issues we face:

Mental Health and Well-being

There is a global mental health crisis and we've not seen the explosion that is looming. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, particularly among younger generations, are notable and one would have to be blind not to see the effect. Moving into 2025, mental health needs to become a core focus in building a better world. 

What people can do is start prioritizing self-care and community well-being. There needs to be a series of well fostered support networks, reducing stigma around mental health, and people seeking professional help when needed. 

At its core, a systemic change is needed. Governments and healthcare systems must increase access to affordable mental health services. Employers need to create environments that promote mental health. This can be done by adopting flexible hours, enhancing remote work options, and giving employees "mental health" days as part of their benefits. Schools can begin to introduce mental wellness into curriculums as a way of recognizing its importance to overall development.

Education Needs Reforming

Education is important for societal progress. There are still too many disparities in access and quality. The world is facing rapid change in technologies as we push to new and growing fields. The very nature of education needs to evolve if we are going to succeed as a country or a world. 

Governments need to invest in public education, ensuring that there is no kid left behind. Everyone, regardless of background, should be able to access quality schooling. Curriculums need to evolve to teach things needed in the future, such as digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and sustainability. 

It's safe to say that with the trillions amassed in a four-year time by America's billionaires, they alone could help the government fund educational initiatives that bridge the gap for underprivileged people. Through philanthropic endeavors, corporate investment, and government funds, millions more could be collectively uplifted.

We Need A World To Improve

The climate crisis is looming and will continue to be one of the issues that define our time. If it's correct, the United Nations latest reports indicated we have less than a decade to reduce emissions and avoid irreversible damage drastically. 

The real power lies in systemic changes that are overdue. Governments must invest in renewable infrastructure, improve public transportation, and set the right regulations on pollutants. Industries should invest in circular economies. Products should be designed for reuse and recycling over purely profitable goals. We need to prioritize sustainable production methods.

When this all becomes unlivable, it'll be too late. If we aren't leaving much of a world, or a world with opportunities for everyone to find their dream, what do we expect of the next generations? The more daunting and challenging we leave the world the harder it is going to be for them.

Takeaways

Whether you're in the United States, or on the other side of the planet, there's no doubt similar needs. Building a better world is going to require a combination of individual actions, reforms to the system, and global cooperation. While the job ahead of the world is immense, the opportunity for a transformation of human existence is equally great. 

By focusing on things like sustainability, mental health, and education, we can take small steps to walk away from the mess of the world we now own and make a big impact on the future. That is, after all, what we all should want. A future that's better for our children and our descendants.