Can One Person Really Change the World?

We constantly think about changing the world. But this is, in fact, the ultimate expression of our egoism, our inborn desire to enjoy for self-benefit alone. We think that if we replace media outlets, overthrow governments, or fire bosses, the world will improve. Yet none of this is necessary.

What we instead need to do is show the world that its very foundation — whether at the still, vegetative, animate, or especially human level — is entirely egoistic, and this egoistic foundation requires correction. “Correction” here means transformation from egoism to altruism, i.e., to a state where we develop an intention to bestow upon our desire to receive. Moreover, the correction begins specifically from the human level, because it is from this height that the rest of nature can be transformed.

This correction starts with us. We begin with connections between people, with how we relate to one another. When we start changing these connections, nature at all its levels will follow. From top to bottom, the change will ripple down to the animate, vegetative, and even the inanimate levels.

And yes, indeed, it means that us ordinary people, by improving our relationships with those closest to us, despite conflicts and differences, can change the world. The methodology for correcting the world lies in the correction of the human being. It is not achieved by shouting slogans or applying pressure on others. It comes through a process of education, refinement, and inner transformation.

If we begin to change, we will start to see that this is exactly what the world needed all along. As we change, the world will reflect that change. We will begin to notice more goodness and harmony emerging around us. Through the collective shift in our attitudes, the world itself will gradually shift to a state of balance with nature, and when that happens, we will experience newfound harmony, peace, and happiness abound in humanity.