We need a song to unite our nation…Julia Ward Howe: America’s Feminine Peace-weaver and Prophet – the Battle Hymn of the Republic 

Julia Ward Howe, a poet, feminist, and abolitionist, is celebrated for her poem "Battle Hymn of the Republic," which unified America and recognized women's suffering during the Civil War. Despite facing patriarchal constraints, her literary contributions ignited conversations about women's roles and equality, leaving a lasting legacy in American culture.

Socrates and the Art of Going Within

Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, advocated for self-examination as the path to true wisdom. He utilized the Socratic Method to encourage deep dialogue, emphasizing that understanding oneself requires confronting one's assumptions. His meditative approach and focus on inner truth position him as a pivotal figure in philosophy, bridging reason and intuition.

Transforming Political Qualifications for True Leaders

The current political landscape prioritizes fundraising over genuine leadership qualities. Candidates often require financial backing to be considered viable, leading to a cycle of career politicians and oligarchy. A new selection process should focus on character, community service, and ethical integrity, removing money from candidacy criteria to redefine effective leadership.

Did Women Create Writing?

The first known author in Western history was a woman named Enheduanna, a high priestess from ancient Mesopotamia who composed hymns and poems to the Goddess Inanna around 5,000 years ago. This highlights the early association of writing with female deities and emphasizes the contributions of women to literature and knowledge.

So what is religion, really?

Religion, at its core, originates from a deep feeling of connection and a quest for meaning. Initially, it emphasized direct experience and unity, intertwined with philosophy. Over time, it became institutionalized, obscuring the feminine aspect. Ultimately, religion invites us to reclaim our intuitive wisdom and recognize our shared humanity in a mysterious universe.

Release the Pressures of Reality through Imagination

Imagination is undervalued in today's world, seen as merely a coping mechanism rather than a source of happiness and progress. The focus on reality over imagination stifles creativity in education and life, despite the potential of dreamers to enact change. Embracing imagination is crucial for personal fulfillment and transforming the world.

From GDP to GNH: A Shift Towards Digital-Dignity Capitalism

If the “Digital-Dignity Economy” described in last week’s article became reality, an ethically guided form of digital-dignity capitalism, then Gross National Happiness could become a global standard. We’d be free to design systems where: People earn enough to live and dream because their basic needs are met Theft becomes rare because their basic needs are…