At the weekend, Frieder Otto Wolf, President of the Humanist Association of Germany, reminded us in Berlin that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a key component of the humanist world view.
And while the period of light festivals is approaching its climax, it is still important not to let superstitious doomsday fantasies obscure our view of the real crises.
The growing gap between rich and poor people in Germany, Europe and worldwide is particularly alarming. Another cause for concern is that there are so few sustainable and well-thought-out strategies for solving the current crises – on a political, economic, cultural and demographic level, said Wolf.
The debates in society today have also lost sight of many elementary and radical questions or simply dropped them. In the coming year, it is therefore necessary and sensible to develop the ability to “ask the important questions again, even if they are disturbing.”
At the same time, he reminded the audience that everyone could start with themselves on the way out of the current crises. It is also crucial for the work to resolve the crises that citizens themselves take responsibility again, make decisions and develop perspectives.
However, every important change requires time and constant commitment, both in one’s own life and in politics. “Being human is not just a state, it is always a task,” Wolf continues.
An atmosphere of respect, righteousness, attentiveness and cordiality can help with this work. The coming days until the turn of the year are therefore an opportunity to come to your senses again. And if we manage to seize this opportunity to reflect on the important things and challenges, “we create reason for hope, for ourselves and for others.”
