Introduction
The quest for unity expresses a basic longing for freedom from war and for international conditions in which we can live and work without fear; a longing for a spirit of cooperation and trust between the peoples of the world.
Which ever approach we choose in our study of this problem we will inevitably return to a consideration of world economic factors. Indeed it becomes clear that the key to humanity's trouble, focused largely as it has been in the economic difficulties of the past 200 years, has been to take and not to give, to accept and not to share, to grasp and not to distribute. Such behavior has resulted in uneven distribution of the world's riches, with some nations having or taking everything while other nations lack the necessities of life. This situation becomes increasingly intolerable in our modern interdependent world. It is a major trouble-breeding factor which demands attention; for not until there is at least relative freedom from want for humanity can we hope for peace, security and international stability.
The unity we seek is in no way related to uniformity. Rather to be of real and lasting value it is essential to achieve unity-in-diversity. The new world order must accommodate the diverse cultures of the world, retaining the richness of expression of our common humanity.
Although the problem of international unity is vast in scope, it is clear that to build a foundation of cooperation and trust, certain factors assume far more importance than others. So our study will be directed towards the themes of the need for a new world economy that will eradicate poverty and inequality; the need for allegiance to the world community, superseding nationalism and sovereignty; and the need for a positive, creative and imaginative approach to the future. The focus will largely be upon issues and ideas. It is in the search for right action in such worldwide concerns as poverty, disarmament
and human rights that new relationships are established, and that the power of the idea of nationalism is steadily being eroded. These are matters of international concern, and it is a very positive sign that they are now regarded as central in world affairs.
United Nations
This study paper will also focus upon the United Nations and the work being done through the many and various organizations within the United Nations. For as the interdependence of the world is more forcibly realized,
through what seems to be an almost constant stream of crises, the United Nations is coming into a markedly
more significant role. If we are to support and to rightly value its work we need to understand the major contribution
it is making to peace and progress.
Changes in world affairs are swift and to keep in touch requires a wide and intelligent reading of books, magazines,
websites, and other sources of information. We have raised certain key questions and drawn attention to factors we consider to be important. We also invite you to participate in the meditation and study work suggested at the conclusion of the paper. By lifting our understanding of the problem into the dynamic quiet of meditation we help to generate a positive, global atmosphere of goodwill - an atmosphere evocative of the moral and courageous actions needed by peoples and their leaders if unity is to be realized.
The Need for Goodwill
There are many different qualities and energies impinging on human consciousness today, producing both constructive
and destructive effects. The most needed, if we are to move safely into the new age, is the energy of goodwill. Without it there can be no creative and lasting solutions to the problems we face. We are not referring here to a passive kindliness or a sentimental approach, but instead to goodwill as "the will to that which is good and ought to be" - to that quality of heart and mind which is a practical and dynamic force for creative action. Hope lies in the fact that goodwill is far more widespread
than is recognized. Today it conditions the lives of millions of people, evoking a new sense of world responsibility and a commitment to a life of service. It constitutes an as yet largely untapped power that, when rightly coordinated as a world force, is capable of implementing the changes and reforms that will inaugurate a new era of human living.
If the men and women of goodwill everywhere are to grasp their present opportunity, they must deepen their
understanding of this energy they possess, and understand more clearly how it can be applied in practical terms in the modern world.
We offer the following formula for peace and progress (overleaf) as a working tool to aid in the immediate work of world reconstruction.
A FORMULA FOR WORLD PEACE AND PROGRESS
An affirmation by men and women of goodwill around the world
Men and women of goodwill in their millions, convinced
• there is potential for good in all mankind
• that the human family can live together in right relations and at peace
• that right relationship between peoples and nations is the key to unity and world peace
• that practical goodwill is the key to right relationships
• that the energy of goodwill is the active principle of peace, justice and progress for
all humanity; affirm their intention
• to practice goodwill in all relationships, in all daily affairs and in attitudes and actions
towards those of other nations, races, religions and social backgrounds
• to support and cooperate with those in positions of influence and responsibility who use
goodwill and reason instead of force and coercion
• to encourage, publicize and work for the adoption of goodwill in action by local and
national groups and institutions.
Enough men and women of goodwill accepting responsibility for the establishing of right relationships among men and between nations, and working actively with the principles of unity and goodwill, guarantee a future of peace and progress for the whole human race.
(Copies of this formula are available at no charge from World Goodwill)
Which ever approach we choose in our study of this problem we will inevitably return to a consideration of world economic factors. Indeed it becomes clear that the key to humanity's trouble, focused largely as it has been in the economic difficulties of the past 200 years, has been to take and not to give, to accept and not to share, to grasp and not to distribute. Such behavior has resulted in uneven distribution of the world's riches, with some nations having or taking everything while other nations lack the necessities of life. This situation becomes increasingly intolerable in our modern interdependent world. It is a major trouble-breeding factor which demands attention; for not until there is at least relative freedom from want for humanity can we hope for peace, security and international stability.
The unity we seek is in no way related to uniformity. Rather to be of real and lasting value it is essential to achieve unity-in-diversity. The new world order must accommodate the diverse cultures of the world, retaining the richness of expression of our common humanity.
Although the problem of international unity is vast in scope, it is clear that to build a foundation of cooperation and trust, certain factors assume far more importance than others. So our study will be directed towards the themes of the need for a new world economy that will eradicate poverty and inequality; the need for allegiance to the world community, superseding nationalism and sovereignty; and the need for a positive, creative and imaginative approach to the future. The focus will largely be upon issues and ideas. It is in the search for right action in such worldwide concerns as poverty, disarmament
and human rights that new relationships are established, and that the power of the idea of nationalism is steadily being eroded. These are matters of international concern, and it is a very positive sign that they are now regarded as central in world affairs.
United Nations
This study paper will also focus upon the United Nations and the work being done through the many and various organizations within the United Nations. For as the interdependence of the world is more forcibly realized,
through what seems to be an almost constant stream of crises, the United Nations is coming into a markedly
more significant role. If we are to support and to rightly value its work we need to understand the major contribution
it is making to peace and progress.
Changes in world affairs are swift and to keep in touch requires a wide and intelligent reading of books, magazines,
websites, and other sources of information. We have raised certain key questions and drawn attention to factors we consider to be important. We also invite you to participate in the meditation and study work suggested at the conclusion of the paper. By lifting our understanding of the problem into the dynamic quiet of meditation we help to generate a positive, global atmosphere of goodwill - an atmosphere evocative of the moral and courageous actions needed by peoples and their leaders if unity is to be realized.
The Need for Goodwill
There are many different qualities and energies impinging on human consciousness today, producing both constructive
and destructive effects. The most needed, if we are to move safely into the new age, is the energy of goodwill. Without it there can be no creative and lasting solutions to the problems we face. We are not referring here to a passive kindliness or a sentimental approach, but instead to goodwill as "the will to that which is good and ought to be" - to that quality of heart and mind which is a practical and dynamic force for creative action. Hope lies in the fact that goodwill is far more widespread
than is recognized. Today it conditions the lives of millions of people, evoking a new sense of world responsibility and a commitment to a life of service. It constitutes an as yet largely untapped power that, when rightly coordinated as a world force, is capable of implementing the changes and reforms that will inaugurate a new era of human living.
If the men and women of goodwill everywhere are to grasp their present opportunity, they must deepen their
understanding of this energy they possess, and understand more clearly how it can be applied in practical terms in the modern world.
We offer the following formula for peace and progress (overleaf) as a working tool to aid in the immediate work of world reconstruction.
A FORMULA FOR WORLD PEACE AND PROGRESS
An affirmation by men and women of goodwill around the world
Men and women of goodwill in their millions, convinced
• there is potential for good in all mankind
• that the human family can live together in right relations and at peace
• that right relationship between peoples and nations is the key to unity and world peace
• that practical goodwill is the key to right relationships
• that the energy of goodwill is the active principle of peace, justice and progress for
all humanity; affirm their intention
• to practice goodwill in all relationships, in all daily affairs and in attitudes and actions
towards those of other nations, races, religions and social backgrounds
• to support and cooperate with those in positions of influence and responsibility who use
goodwill and reason instead of force and coercion
• to encourage, publicize and work for the adoption of goodwill in action by local and
national groups and institutions.
Enough men and women of goodwill accepting responsibility for the establishing of right relationships among men and between nations, and working actively with the principles of unity and goodwill, guarantee a future of peace and progress for the whole human race.
(Copies of this formula are available at no charge from World Goodwill)