The Glue that Binds Us

What is the glue that binds us?

Despite remarkable advances in addressing societal challenges — curing diseases, reducing poverty, and pushing the boundaries of technology — some problems remain stubbornly rooted. Chief among them are the widespread forces of materialism, selfishness, and greed.

Although we’ve wiped out smallpox, made progress in combating global hunger, and connected the world through digital innovation, these deeper issues persist. The relentless pursuit of wealth and possessions continues to dominate our culture, often overshadowing the values of community and compassion that were once the glue that held society together.

As more in our society view material wealth as the ultimate goal, an increasing number of individuals are unhappy, leading to a growing state of emotional bankruptcy. And with emotional bankruptcy come some of our most disturbing social problems, including violence, hate, and drug and alcohol abuse.

In our material world, we worship the “material.” Wealthy people are revered by virtue of their material possessions, as if…