3 Harmony for Prosperity: Building a Sustainable Society for Collective Wellbeing

Our ability to coexist peacefully has always been a cornerstone of human history. The olive branch, a symbol of peace, serves as a reminder of our collective journey towards harmony. Consider the olive tree itself; it takes years to bear fruit, symbolising that true peace also requires patience and perseverance. In ancient times, tribes would sometimes destroy each other’s trees during conflicts, illustrating the depths of their animosity. Cutting down these trees wasn’t just an act of destruction; it was a deliberate attempt to harm the enemy, a representation of the devastation caused by discord.

However, there’s a profound lesson hidden in this historical anecdote. When a region has flourishing fruit trees, it signifies more than agricultural success; it’s evidence that peace has been sustained there for some time. These orchards become emblems of enduring peace, standing as silent protectors of cooperation over conflict.

As we reflect on our shared history, the olive tree emerges as a living link across generations, reinforcing the enduring significance of peace. It stands as a testament, urging us to contemplate peace through the patient growth of its branches and the resilience of its fruit-bearing capabilities.

Disagreements are an inherent part of human nature. Whether it’s with a spouse, sibling, or friend, we often find ourselves in conflict with others. These disputes can extend beyond personal relationships, affecting entire families, tribes, and even nations. Unfortunately, minor disagreements can escalate and spread, potentially leading to significant global conflicts.

This reality has shaped the design of some of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. Consider Venice, for instance, built among reeds not just to improve daily life but also to safeguard its inhabitants from potential adversaries. Similarly, the Dutch city of Groningen is adorned with a meticulous network of canals. While these canals enhance the city’s charm, they were originally designed for defence against external threats.

Cities around the world narrate tales of human resilience and the deep-seated need for security amidst conflict. Each cityscape, with its unique architecture and street layouts, stands as a living testament to humanity’s quest for safety and peace. Exploring these cities uncovers a crucial link between urban planning and the age-old pursuit of a stable, secure society in an ever-changing world.

For centuries, daily life remained relatively unchanged (please see Figure 1). Before the 18th century, people lived much as their ancestors did, with minimal economic progress. Envision a time when the majority of the populace worked in fields, heavily dependent on weather conditions for survival. A successful season meant a decent harvest, but a poor one could result in famine. This era lacked modern medicine, and life expectancy was short, with frequent wars further reducing it.

During this time, most people were illiterate and rarely questioned the political or social systems governing them. Decisions about war and peace were made by a few powerful families, kings, or lords, who could mobilize entire communities for battle. For the majority, the opportunity to challenge the established order was virtually non-existent.

Yet, history reveals that some societies eventually broke free from this cycle, paving the way for progress. The signing of the Magna Carta in the 1200s was a pivotal moment. This document laid down fundamental rules for coexistence, setting the foundation for a society where peace could foster progress. This breakthrough allowed societies to envision a future where security and fairness were attainable goals.

Progress required a departure from a life dominated by survival and conflict. People began to focus on improving everyday life and building peaceful communities. This shift extended beyond human interactions to include animals, the environment, and the cosmos at large. However, for this comprehensive perspective to take root, people needed to find common ground and establish systems that worked for everyone.

The transition from constant conflict to a focus on cooperation took time and necessitated a mental shift towards caring for others and the environment. Over time, people developed an interest in creating a fair society where diverse voices were heard and considered.

This evolution from division to unity marked a significant change in how people viewed life together. It represented a choice to prioritise peace and well-being, forging a future where progress and harmony could coexist.

The move from nomadic lifestyles to structured societies hinged on creating systems that balanced individual needs with collective safety. At the heart of this transformation was humanity’s desire for stability and influence. History is replete with examples of fierce battles for power, often at great cost. In both economic and political realms, life often seemed stagnant, with little opportunity for improvement. Political power was typically concentrated among a privileged few, leaving the majority with limited options.

Those who dared to question this system faced serious risks. Speaking out against war, for example, could result in imprisonment or worse. This situation is still relevant today, as seen in conflicts like the one between Russia and Ukraine, where citizens face the tough choice between going to war or facing imprisonment. These scenarios highlight how limited freedom and autonomy can be when power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Throughout history, three main sources of power have dominated: religious institutions, monarchies, and society itself. Often, society found itself struggling against the overwhelming strength of the other two. The stakes were high, as these powerful entities set the rules and controlled people’s lives.

Here, I’d like to share a story of my own. Once, while visiting my dear and long-time friend Ersin in Germany, he had to leave early in the morning to teach at the school where he worked. I asked if he could drop me in a nearby small town so I could find a coffee shop, sit for a while, and maybe later walk around. He dropped me off in a quiet neighbourhood, and I stepped into a small café filled with local people. It was early, calm, and warm inside. A waitress came to take my order, but she didn’t understand English. Before I could figure out what to do, a woman sitting nearby gently stepped in, translated my order into German, and helped us both.

She turned to me and said it was clear I wasn’t from this little town – here, everyone knows everyone. We started talking. When she learned that I was a university professor in England, her face lit up. She told me about an old university not far from there: Helmstedt University. It was no longer active, she said, but it had a fascinating history. She kindly offered to guide me around, and I gladly accepted.

We visited the old campus, which was now used as a space for art exhibitions and conferences. The buildings stood with quiet dignity. There were no students, no lectures – but there was memory in every corridor. She spoke about the remarkable minds who had once studied and taught there. One name stood out to her and, eventually, to me too – Professor Giordano Bruno.

He wasn’t originally German, and he wasn’t based solely at Helmstedt, but his ideas and influence passed through European universities like this one. He was a philosopher and cosmologist who challenged the central teachings of the Catholic Church. He believed in an infinite universe, filled with countless worlds like our own. These were radical ideas for the time, and they deeply threatened the religious authorities. Bruno was accused of heresy. After years of trials and imprisonment, he was taken to Rome, and, in a public act meant to silence others like him, he was burnt at the stake.

Hearing this story there, on the grounds of a once-great university, was different. It didn’t feel like history. It felt close. Personal. It reminded me how fragile the space for free thought can be and how power, when unchallenged, will go to terrifying lengths to protect itself.

This reluctance to embrace change or challenge established systems has left a profound mark on history. Often, any threat to the status quo was quickly suppressed. The concept of a free society, with its potential to challenge entrenched power structures, was fiercely resisted. The actions of those in power to maintain control have shaped our understanding of freedom and individual rights over time.

Considering all this, we are now better prepared to explore economic and political issues from a broader, more integrated perspective. By grounding our discussions in the values of a balanced society, we can better understand how different professions and sectors contribute to the overall structure of civilisation. This approach allows us to view economic and political landscapes with fresh eyes, appreciating the role each sector plays in advancing the foundational principles that bind us together.