A Different Existence

I dream of a world where no one is exploited. 

I dream of a society where relaxation and joy are how success is measured, rather than hours worked or number of followers.

I dream of a system that churns without the need for anyone to suffer through poverty.

I dream of a space where depression is an anomaly, not endemic to existing.

Friendships and experience are tools of fruitfulness, rather than money or corruption.

Hard work and rewards are shared according to ability and need.

Technology is used to better everyone’s quality of life, not a select few.

Education is more important and more useful than politics. 

New ideas are greeted with open-mindedness.

There’s space for art, music, poetry, imagination, and creativity. No pursuit to better society is less admirable than another.

The population is sustainable; there is a surplus of resources that can continue to be renewed.

No creature is illegal just by being.

Respect is systemic, acceptance is prevalent. 

Perspectives are rich and varied. 

There is no pollution.

There is no war. 

I dream of a world where humanity can experience the earth in the way we evolved to, yet enhance that experience by leveraging our knowledge of history and science.

A world where no one felt they needed to escape their everyday life.

I dream of a different existence.

These thoughts are laughably far away from where society stands currently. It may seem impossible, but I believe that this world I dream of is within reach. I believe that no one deserves to suffer and that together we can create a world that is more ethical than the one we were handed at birth. 

Why do I believe this? Because we are changing the world we live in right now. Through activism or apathy, our world is changing. We are the only ones who can influence our surroundings. 

So how do we get to a world where there is minimal suffering?

How do we make changes to the system when those who gain from the system are the ones who make the rules?

There’s got to be a way, right? To make a change for the better?

Some may say that my thoughts above are utopian, idealist, or so far from reality that they are foolish to even consider. That any work a single person can do to move toward a better world is so miniscule it does not matter.

And yet, who would we be if we did not fight to move toward a better world? Can we justify an existence in which we do not fight for our loved ones, our friends, our community, or our society? How could our children forgive us if we don’t fight?

How could we forgive ourselves?

What is your version of utopia? Comment below.