Summer in London

What clearer demonstration could we have of the fast pace of change in the contemporary world than the events taking place in London during the past summer?

What clearer demonstration could we have had of the diversity and contradictions within the world in which we live?

How sickening to see once more the work of anonymous and secretive bombers. In contrast, how interesting it was to experience the idealism of Live8 and listen to the aspirations of our Olympic sporting heroes and their wish to inspire the lives of the young.

We condemn the terrorist bombers and the whole methodology of violence. Just as we condemn the hypocrisy and lies of those who claim for themselves the path of righteousness.

We condemn those who declare their love for democracy and human rights and at the same time justify the bombing of innocent and defenceless populations in “protection” of their human rights. This contradictory action empties the very idea of human rights of any content and falsifies their meaning. It also creates a unsafe model for future generations who either reject its hypocritical rhetoric and opt out of social participation or copy it, unconsciously using it as a justification for their own anti-social behaviour.

We need to move away from the contradictions in our society and overcome hatred, resentment and the desire for revenge. But not using the methodology of violence.

New ways are possible. We need to develop our imagination and open our minds. We need to dare to dream again, as Martin Luther King once did, and to shrug off jibes of being called “naïve” and “idealistic”. This is not the end of history, nor the end of ideas, nor the triumph of wickedness and manipulation. Yes we are living through a dark period of history but little by little the dawning of a new day will come.

As human beings we are not separate from the destiny of the world. We need to understand that progress for the few ends up being progress for no one. We need to give continuity to the best aspirations of the good people who came before us. We need to give a clear sign to the future generations who will transform our world shaping a Universal Human Nation which will embrace and give space to all people and all cultures, not only the rich and powerful or the fanatical.

Bombs, from wherever they come, will contribute nothing except to the destruction of life. And no, Live8 will not make poverty history. No, the G8 will not end poverty in Africa, or the injustices of world trade nor will it stop the destruction of the environment. No, the Olympic games will not end antisocial behaviour. And no, with a few words we will not end the violence which threatens to destroy our lives and our world.

Our intentions to bring about change will fail again and again. But we must not give up. We must not abandon faith in our destiny, in the justice of our actions. We must build faith in ourselves and in the human being and in the future.

Centre of Cultures, London