I would like to conclude
by stating that, in general, I feel optimistic about the future. Some recent
trends portend our great potential for a better world. As late as the fifties
and sixties, people believed that war was an inevitable condition of mankind.
The Cold War, in particular, reinforced the notion that opposing political systems
could only clash, not compete or even collaborate. Few now hold this view. Today,
people all over the planet are genuinely concerned about world peace. They are
far less interested in propounding ideology and far more committed to coexistence.
These are very positive developments.
Also, for thousands of years people believed that only an authoritarian organization
employing rigid disciplinary methods could govern human society. However, people
have an innate desire for freedom and democracy, and these two forces have been
in conflict. Today, it is clear which has won. The emergence of non violent
"people's power" movements have shown indisputably that the human
race can neither tolerate nor function properly under the rule of tyranny. This
recognition represents remarkable progress.
Another hopeful development is the growing compatibility between science and
religion. Throughout the nineteenth century and for much of our own, people
have been profoundly confused by the conflict between these apparently contradictory
world views. Today, physics, biology and psychology have reached such sophisticated
levels that many researchers are starting to ask the most profound questions
about the ultimate nature of the universe and life, the same questions that
are of prime interest to religions. Thus there is real potential for a more
unified view. In particular, it seems that a new concept of mind and matter
is emerging. The East has been more concerned with understanding the mind, the
West with understanding matter. Now that the two have met, these spiritual and
material views of life may become more harmonized.
The rapid changes in our attitude towards the earth are also a source of hope.
As recently as ten or fifteen years ago, we thoughtlessly consumed its resources,
as if there was no end to them. Now, not only individuals but governments as
well are seeking a new ecological order. I often joke that the moon and stars
look beautiful, but if any of us tried to live on them, we would be miserable.
This blue planet of ours is the most delightful habitat we know. Its life is
our life; its future, our future. And though I do not believe that the Earth
itself is a sentient being, it does indeed act as our mother, and, like children,
we are dependent upon her. Now mother nature is telling us to cooperate. In
the face of such global problems as the greenhouse effect and the deterioration
of the ozone layer, individual organizations and single nations are helpless.
Unless we all work together, no solution will be found. Our mother is teaching
us a lesson in universal responsibility.
I think we can say that, because of the lessons we have begun to learn, the
next century will be friendlier, more harmonious, and less harmful. Compassion,
the seed of peace, will be able to flourish. I am very hopeful. At the same
time, I believe that every individual has a responsibility to help guide our
global family in the right direction. Good wishes alone are not enough; we have
to assume responsibility. Large human movements spring from individual human
initiatives. If you feel that you cannot have much of an effect, the next person
may also become discouraged and a great opportunity will have been lost. On
the other hand, each of us can inspire others simply by working to develop our
own altruistic motivation.
I am sure that many honest, sincere people all over the world already hold the
views that I have mentioned here. Unfortunately, nobody listens to them. Although
my voice may go unheeded as well, I thought that I should try to speak on their
behalf. Of course, some people may feel that it is very presumptuous for the
Dalai Lama to write in this way. But, since I received the Nobel Peace Prize,
I feel I have a responsibility to do so. If I just took the Nobel money and
spent it however I liked, it would look as if the only reason I had spoken all
those nice words in the past was to get this prize! However, now that I have
received it, I must repay the honor by continuing to advocate the views that
I have always expressed.
I, for one, truly believe that individuals can make a difference in society.
Since periods of great change such as the present one come so rarely in human
history, it is up to each of us to make the best use of our time to help create
a happier world.