The Shocking Truth About Our Fragile Existence: A Call to Action; Wake Up and Smell the Roses: How Gratitude Can Fix the World

The world is a complex tapestry of pain, beauty, love and loss. War-torn countries like Turkey and Syria, and their people affected by the earthquake of the century, are a testament to the fragility of life and the uncertainties that we face every day. In moments like these, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless.

(If it is too overwhelming: listen below by Prof Angela Duckworth & Stephen Dubner on Is It Wrong to Enjoy Yourself While the World Is Burning?)

But as we look around us, we are reminded of the blessings we have – the roof over our heads, the food on our plates, and the love of family and friends. These simple things, which we often take for granted, are luxuries for many. As we reflect on our own lives, let us not forget the plight of those who are less fortunate and the challenges they face every day just to survive.

The changing climate is a warning of the dangers that await us in the future. If we don't take action now, future generations may be doomed to a life of misery and hardship. We must recognize that the choices we make today will have a profound impact on the world tomorrow.

This is why it is so important that we take a step back and appreciate what we have, and use our resources to help those in need. Whether it's donating to disaster relief funds, volunteering our time, or simply spreading love and kindness, we can make a difference in the lives of others.

But we must also be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. We cannot control the future, but we can control how we respond to it. By taking steps to prepare for natural disasters, we can be better equipped to face them when they do occur. This may mean stocking up on supplies, creating evacuation plans, or supporting organizations that are working to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Behavioural science has long studied the actions of individuals in crisis situations, and the results are often both surprising and concerning. Research has shown that when faced with a disaster, many people will prioritize their own safety, even at the cost of others. This is due to a combination of instinctual self-preservation and a sense of social self-interest - people are more likely to help those they have strong ties to, such as family or friends, over strangers.

However, there are also examples of individuals who rise above this self-interest and make the difficult choice to put the lives of others before their own. These selfless heroes (as I praised in last blog post we chinese call selfless heroes 行俠仗義 ), often first responders or everyday citizens, have been documented in numerous disaster scenarios, from Hurricane Katrina to the Japanese tsunami of 2011. They embody the best of humanity, showing bravery, compassion, and a willingness to put their own lives on the line to help others.

On the other hand, there have also been instances of individuals taking advantage of disaster situations for their own gain, such as looting and price gouging. These actions not only add to the suffering of those affected by the disaster but can also hinder rescue and recovery efforts.

The economic impact of natural disasters is devastating, with billions of dollars in damages and countless lost lives. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, for example, an estimated $125 billion (pdf) was lost due to damage and lost economic activity. The impacts are felt not just by those directly affected, but by the entire global economy as well.

So what can individuals do to prepare for and survive a natural disaster? Here are some key steps:

Plan ahead:

Create a disaster plan for you and your family, including an evacuation route and a communication plan. Keep an emergency kit with essential supplies, such as food, water, and first-aid supplies.

Stay informed:

Stay up-to-date on the latest information about the disaster, including evacuation orders and potential dangers. Monitor news sources and follow the advice of local authorities.

Help others:

If you are able, offer help to those in need. This could mean volunteering with disaster relief organizations, or simply reaching out to friends and neighbours who may need assistance.

Take care of yourself:

In the aftermath of a disaster, it is important to take care of your own physical and emotional well-being. This may mean seeking medical attention, staying in touch with loved ones, and engaging in self-care activities.

Be mindful of scams:

Be wary of individuals or organizations claiming to be raising money for disaster relief efforts. Always research a charity before making a donation.

While there is no guarantee of survival in a natural disaster, preparing ahead of time and making informed decisions can greatly increase the chances of both survival and recovery. By putting others first and embodying the spirit of heroism, we can not only help ourselves, but also those around us.

In conclusion, let us not be discouraged by the challenges that we face. Instead, let us be inspired to take action, to love and to help those in need. It takes years to build a life of comfort and security, but it takes seconds to destroy it.

Take action and make the world a better place. Every act of kindness and compassion has the potential to create a positive impact. Embrace challenges as opportunities and lead by example. Let us come together to bring hope and fix the world, one thing at a time.

Is there such a community already, if not, lets FixTheWorld.4Good.space

Any ideas/thoughts and suggestions? comments below or ping me a message.

latest WSJ video explains well:

very sad.. but already, predicted back in 2019, a documentary: