Thousands of years have taken us through the various stages of civilization and development. The gained knowledge along with the rule of law was communicated and free societies have been created. The general benefits derived from intact families and a productive life style has been realized by many. Trade and commerce between nations has flourished creating a world of mutual benefit with peaceful alliances.
It is said that the invention of the Gutenberg printing press was the major factor in advancing civilization. Learning about freedom through the printed word became available to all who could read and to heed it.
The modern world now has a new and much more powerful technology available to nations around the entire globe. There is now a platform for communication never seen before. For the first time in history, the vast amount of knowledge accumulated over centuries, is now available to everyone on earth. Computers, phones and the Internet have been able to do what books, radio and international leaders could never do before - to reach every human being in the world simultaneously. Wow! Now that is mass communication.
One can only imagine the incredible possibilities of being able to affect the thoughts of almost everyone on earth. Could it become the instrument that can finally bring us what we all pray for - world peace? I would certainly hope so, but it's not very likely.
Yes, it would be possible to use this mass communication capability to reach the entire world with a single and consistent message of peace and freedom. Imagine a huge electronic classroom, complete with the best benevolent professors available. It could be an exceptional and efficient teaching method. They would explain and show the many benefits of becoming a free society. Over time, a desire for those things might just be realized by people everywhere. Surely that would be a positive effect, right? It would, of course, but there's a dark side to communication.
Human nature being what it is, we cannot expect that all people will ever agree on a single message or even a single thought. It will always be the dream of those who pray for a peaceful world, but It never seems to happen.
In addition to having different views, the world has not been developing at the same rate. There are examples of many that have achieved productive and inventive methods and have evolved into "modern" cultures. But, there are many other examples of nations, societies and individuals who have shunned modernity. While some nations see it as progress, these others see modernity as an evil influence on their traditional way of life.
Differing points-of-view will always be the source of conflict. Each side feels that they are "right". That's a normal reaction in people. If it's only a simple difference in one's point of view or merely an opinion, rational behavior and good manners would be all that is needed to avoid conflict. But, when that point of view becomes a belief, the trouble starts. Also, if the amount of emotion and energy behind that belief is intense, it may cause a war.
Yes, that is what is behind all of our world problems. Really. It is the need to be "right" that keeps us from world peace. Now, careful - don't let this upset you or cause a conflict - It's only my opinion - never worth fighting over. 'nuff said.
