The Price of Civilization: Human Rights

#BlogActionDay



Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, The Price of Civilization: Reawakening American Virtue and Prosperity, calls for a "mindful society" in eight areas:

1) personal moderation to escape mass consumerism; 2) the balance of work and leisure; 3) the cultivation of education; 4) exercising compassion and cooperation; 5) the conservation of the world's ecosystems; 6) a sense of responsibility to save for the future; 7) the cultivation of public deliberation and shared values for collective action through political institutions; and 8) the acceptance of diversity as a path to peace. (p. 165)

Many of these are human rights, most especially #7 and #8.

“We need, in short, a return to civic virtue. in which Americans recommit to contributing to the common benefit and to cooperating for mutual gain.” (p. 236)

If we are to say anything about human rights, I think we need to talk about the "common benefit" and "cooperating for mutual gain."  

What are you doing today for the common benefit?

Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.