Global Business Perspectives

I ran across the following quote and it got me thinking…

"It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." ~ Baha’u'llah

I am blessed to have been born in this country - the privilages, opportunities and spirit of our country is unmatched around the world.  I would definitely consider myself patriotic. However, there is a word that is the yin to the patriotic yang.  It is Matriotic.  From what I have read, I would summarize the meaning of matriotism as everything from simply being grateful for the planet we live, breath and work on to being loyal to the best interests for all of humanity and the world.

The essense of the word intrigues me…and I do think many of my American friends would be unsure of this idealogy - to have a personal passion for something more than America.  Most Americans that I know are some of the kindest, giving and brilliant people I have met, however we often times do not see beyond our houses, our neighborhoods, our cities, our states and our country.  We are only a small percentage of this planet…and we are a young country that has done many great things but also has made many mistakes.  There are many more humans on this planet  that require the same basic needs that we often take for granted.  I also think we are quick to judge and seperate ourselves from those we do not know or have taken the time to understand.

Maybe…a little curiosity for humanity could help us be better Americans.  I know that I didn’t truly understand the spirit and culture of the U.S. until I lived abroad and was able to see other ways of living, relating and loving.  What I do know is that we are all the same at a very basic level.  The differences…are many but they are not neccessarily wrong.  Maybe they are not right for you…and that is ok.

I fly the United Nations flag at my home.  I love my country, my continent, my hemisphere and my earth.  I hope that a time will come when all people will have their basic human needs met and every child will have food, health and education so that the future of humanity will shine bright.  I know I am hoping for a lot but I believe it is possible.  I hope you do too.