"The Earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens"

[Teacher]

"World citizenship begins with an acceptance of the oneness of the human family and the interconnectedness of the nations of 'the earth, our home.' While it encourages a sane and legitimate patriotism, it also insists upon a wider loyalty, a love of humanity as a whole. It does not, however, imply abandonment of legitimate loyalties, the suppression of cultural diversity, the abolition of national autonomy, nor the imposition of uniformity. Its hallmark is 'unity in diversity.' World citizenship encompasses the principles of social and economic justice, both within and between nations; non-adversarial decision making at all levels of society; equality of the sexes; racial, ethnic, national and religious harmony; and the willingness to sacrifice for the common good. Other facets of world citizenship -- including the promotion of human honor and dignity, understanding, amity, co-operation, trustworthiness, compassion and the desire to serve -- can be deduced from those already mentioned." With our shift in values among an aware and engaged citizenry is it possible that the expats could be citizens of the world but unaware of it? This is the question I put to the forum.

[Timn8ter]

Very pretty words but is it really that complicated? We're all human with all the shortcomings associated with the race. The common people seem to get along just fine, regardless of race or nationality. If nothing else, they choose to live and let live. It is government, nationalism and fanaticism that create hostilities between peoples.

[TheDude]

I think this depends on what you mean by "world citizen." As Wikipedia points out, the term has many different meanings.

I'm not sure in what context you are referring to the term, but your quote seems to come out of the Bahai community.

I found this site which seems to further explain the statement that you quoted and the conclusion really stuck out to me.

In conclusion, world citizenship is a concept as challenging and dynamic as the opportunities facing the world community. We, the peoples and nations of the world, would be wise to embrace courageously its underlying principles and be guided by them in all aspects of our lives -- from our personal and community relations to our national and international affairs; from our schools, work places and media to our legal, social and political institutions. We, therefore, urge the Commission to encourage the entire UN system to incorporate the principle of world citizenship into the full range of its programs and activities.

I'm sure this is not an authoratative explanation but it seems a bit idealistic and a lofty goal. Also, I'm an atheist and this feels to much like any other religion trying to tell me how I should live my life and how my society should be run.

I think a more simple way to be a good global citizen is to do what you can to contribute to a better world. And in many cases, you can benefit from that effort as an individual.

For example, one bright method for a sustainable future is to develop clean, renewable energy sources. Governments can help these industries get off the ground in a variety of ways. Schools can generate more interest in science and engineering so that students can one day help tackle the techological challenges. Local communities can educate jobless workers in green technologies so they can find employment in this relatively new and fast growing industries. For entrepreneurs, this space is a goldmine.

I don't think being expats necessarily makes us better world citizens in this regard. Though there are unique opportunities as described in the Wikipedia article.

In a non-political definition, it has been suggested that a world citizen may provide value to society by using knowledge acquired across cultural contexts[1]. In its most obvious scenario, the savvy businessperson who has travelled the world would be able to use knowledge about resources and products found abroad to create business where value can be maximised. In another scenario, the savvy world citizen would leverage cultural knowledge from his/her numerous trips to create bridges of knowledge, also creating value.

However, expats have to actively engage their knowledge in a way to benefit their society. I don't think expats have any more capability to be good world citizens than people who have yet to leave their home countries though.

[barramac]

nice sentiment, but why politicize everyday contact with people.

[Teacher]

Yes, it was from the Bahai,and no I and not from the Bahai community. However I found the statement thought provoking and interested in the opinions of my fellow forum members, and if they had contemplated on the term of world citizen. I was feeling that we needed more to discuss than the general inconsequential problems that I read daily.

[Coyotes]

wow heavy!! i say lets have a drink and chill, we can all get on at the bar and call names about which ever nationality don't turn up lol them was big words wowwwwwww

[babel-fish]

I just say one thing and follow it by a statement of intent.

To be a true world citizen you have to be free of indocrination and love your fellow man.

Statement: I am a world citizen, no politics or religion, not much patrotism and I write about it

Yes I have wrote a book and wrote many articles about being a world citizen and it means no indoctrination, no racialism and respect to all those that have been indoctrinated and believe in the most silliest things. People are human and easy led.

Question: What do you do? Have you just realised your indoctrination and that you think differently to those that have been indoctriunated. You going to write about it and be active in trying to show people their indoctrination. I do its a very hard slog.

Taking it a bit further.

Everybody on this earth wants to rid their indoctrination and group to gether as world citizens but thats never going to happen as indoctrination is to deep. Welcome to enlightened and for straying away from the flock.

[Teacher]

Coyotes, I’m very apologetic for allowing my extended vocabulary to run amuck, I spend my days teaching “having fun with Dick and Jane.” Vocabulary so I guess that I feel the need to expand my mind. To just feel like a normal person.

[jellyfish]

To Babel: Amen.
112 posts in the first 10 days on this forum.
We will be getting overwhelmed by statements.
So no need to read all your books.
Let people simply have their own believes and don't try to impress.
Sounds otherwise like indoctrination

[babel-fish]

To Babel: Amen.
112 posts in the first 10 days on this forum.

Wow really your counting. my beliefs do not need to corrisponed with your own. Sorry for being long winded but I think I have brought a lot of interest on to this site. have not got really a lot of say left.

Lets say advice can open the mind. Lets also say I am not that smart but getiing wiser as I geting older.

We will have a beer together I am sure one day soon and then you will realise what type of guy I am. I don't talk about life but joke about living it.

However no one needs to take heed of my rants, oh I love cold beer