IF we look around the world, we are living in today, we see countries at war, neighbours involved in conflicts, tensions amongst states on the basis of ideology and border disputes. Even within one country, we see deep political divides on the basis of colour, caste and creed. Rising poverty in one segment of the society and escalating rich-poor gap in developed and rich countries and under-developed and poor countries, alike. The United Nations goal and target of reducing the number of people living on less than $2 still remains a far-off dream and wish-full thinking, at least for the time being. The cracks among various groups of society, therefore, need to be narrowed and conflicts and wars and aggression among countries need to be stopped to make the world a tranquil and safe place to live. Peaceful co-existence is, therefore, an urgent need of the hour.
Knowing how to live together in harmony is an essential part of human life and is something that comes from both the heart and the mind. It allows us to create a more empathetic and understanding society, where we can reach agreements and solve problems more easily and move forward together. Coexistence is the pillar that sustains many aspects of human life. As highly sociable creatures, achieving a peaceful, effective and harmonious coexistence not only helps guarantee our survival as a group, but also helps promote well-being and progress.
Psychiatrist Enrique Rojas indicates that coexistence is essentially the art of knowing how to share and participate in the lives of others, while allowing them to become involved in our own existence. As we know all too well, this is almost never as easy as it sounds. If it’s difficult for members of the same family to live together in peace at times, it isn’t difficult to understand just how challenging coexistence can be on international and global levels. It takes more than a few agreements, fine words and peace treaties to ensure harmonious coexistence on a global scale. Beyond all that, it requires human commitment and willpower. In that, we all have an important part to play. After all, great revolutions aren’t achieved by moving mountains, but by shifting the rocks on those mountains. Real change is often silent, occurring in small and significant ways each and every day. This is where each of us can get involved.
In his theory of moral development, American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg points out that the most important stage for any child occurs at the age of 10, with what’s known as the autonomous stage. This is the moment when we realize that, when you look beyond societal norms, you find human needs. Only then do we become aware of the value of individual actions, altruism and compassion. Coexistence isn’t solely based on the need to respect and live in peace with one another. In fact, it goes far beyond that. Achieving peaceful coexistence requires a certain level of commitment, pro-activity and hard work, in every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Not just the great nations must learn to live in harmony in order to reduce conflicts and differences, the small one’s need to follow suit.
Knowing how to live together peacefully is the backbone of every aspect of human life. It’s at the core of any romantic relationship, allowing couples to live together, start a family together and raise children together. Peaceful coexistence is essential for any community, club, workplace, or any other setting where we come into contact with other people. If we want to achieve this, we each have the responsibility to get to know and understand one another and see ourselves reflected in those around us. This social dynamic helps to promote empathy, emotions and tolerance. Rejecting violence in all its forms is the fundamental principle on which the whole idea of peaceful co-existence rests.
Each year on May 16th, we celebrate the International Day of Living Together in Peace. It’s the ideal moment to reflect on the different ways in which each and every one of us can contribute to this goal. One aspect that requires particular attention is the commitment to non-violence. While it’s undoubtedly the most obvious and tangible form, it’s important to understand that “violence” doesn’t just mean physical aggression. One example might be knowing how to talk to one another with respect and without resorting to aggressive forms of communication, being capable of understanding without discrimination and accepting differences rather than attacking, criticizing or dismissing them.
Leaders have spoken in great length about the art of non-violence, showing that it’s the only way to promote harmonious existence between individuals and nations. Compassion and solidarity are other elements without which Coexistence will never be possible, if we can’t learn to appreciate one another and accept that other people, like us, have their own opinions, origins, values and needs. We’re all different, yet equal. We are all worthy of appreciation, respect and the chance to build the life we want. In order to achieve this, we must work to create a greater sense of solidarity and compassion.
Coexistence and the importance of moving forward together in pursuit of the same goals is the aim at which we all need to focus, strive and achieve. Throughout history, humans have had to work together in order to continue coexisting in an ever-changing world, full of uncertainties and new threats. This is how we have survived as a species and how we will continue to overcome periods of great hardship. If we want to achieve this lofty goal, it’s essential for us to put aside our differences, selfishness and personal interests.
It’s almost impossible to talk about the importance of coexistence without considering about our planet. The Earth gives us a home, making it possible for each and every one of us to be here. We all understand the importance of addressing aspects such as peace, social equality, non-discrimination and shunning violence in all its forms. But one final aspect that can’t be ignored, especially now, is the need to tend to, care for and protect the Earth and each of its many ecosystems. If life is balance and balance can only be achieved when we know how to live together in harmony, then we also need to learn how to take better care of the home that’s sheltered us for millennia, both for our sake and for the sake of generations to come. Each of us must take time to reflect on these key components. It’s important to understand that coexistence ultimately begins at home, with the people closest to us. We all have a part to play in the social, emotional and existential tapestry that is human coexistence.
—The writer is Former Civil Servant and Consultant (ILO) & International Organisation for Migration.
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