From “Me” to “We”

That one indeed is a man who, today, dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race. -Bahá’u’lláh

Linguist and anthropologist Daniel Everett wrote as he was learning from a hunter-gatherer community in the Brazilian rainforest the following observation. He observed that a hunter had brought home a sizable kill, far too much to be eaten by his family. The researcher asked how he would store the excess. Smoking and drying technologies were well known; storing was possible. The hunter was puzzled by the question – store the meat? Why would he do that? Instead, he sent out an invitation to a feast, and soon the neighboring families were gathered around his fire, until every last morsel was consumed. This seemed like maladaptive behavior to the anthropologist, who asked again: given the uncertainty of meat in the forest, why didn't the hunter store the meat for himself, which is what the economic system of his home culture would predict. “Store my meat? I store my meat in the belly of my brother,” replied the hunter.

Some questions we hope to explore in this discussion:
-What does “service to the entire human race” look like in everyday life?
-What is the difference between performing acts of kindness and living a life centered on service?
-What would it take to cultivate a mindset of “we” rather than “me” in our families, neighborhoods and communities?

“Recognizing ‘enoughness’ is a radical act in an economy that is always urging us to consume more.”-Robin Wall Kimmerer

*Please join us as together we seek to shift the focus from “me” to “we” in our discussion which will be based on selections from the Baha’i Writings. All respectfully shared views are welcome regardless of background or belief.

You can also join us via zoom
Below is the link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88158217522?pwd=cGxNeDR2eCthN0k2d2tlSk1sMnViQT09