There I sat, immersed in Max Richter’s “The Mind’s Eye”, reflecting on a profound point Scott Galloway made on the Pivot Podcast. He mentioned that as people approach the end of their lives, their greatest regret is wishing they’d been less hard on themselves.
On considering this, I realised it’s a valuable lesson for those of us who are, hopefully, many years from our final moments. We need to ease up and show ourselves a bit more kindness. We’re incessantly bombarded with bad news and daily atrocities that weigh heavily on our spirits, so it’s vital to take a step back and breathe. Take a fucking breath and care for ourselves, even if just for a moment.
Don’t you find it disheartening how the state of the world, and those who govern it, seems to be deteriorating? We should all feel a collective responsibility for what’s happening, not just as individuals, but as a collective human race.
Deep down, we know that hatred isn’t something we’re born with; it’s something we learn. From the moment we’re brought into this world, we’re blank slates—free from prejudice and malice. Yet, over time, hatred is instilled in us by our surroundings; our parents, society, and often, unfortunately, by religious institutions. While many find comfort and moral guidance in faith, it’s undeniable that religious differences have been at the heart of numerous conflicts throughout history.
But what about us being perpetually at war? My longstanding belief is that there’s no profit in peace and no profit in cures. By that, I mean that powerful corporations and entities thrive on the continuation of conflict and disease. A world devoid of war and illness threatens the financial interests of those who’ve built empires on these very foundations. How would they sustain their profits if their products and services were no longer required?
Consider the arms industry on a global scale. In 2022, global military expenditure reached an all-time high of $2.1 trillion USD (approximately £1.6 trillion). Leading arms manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems reported revenues of $67 billion USD and $25.5 billion USD respectively. These corporations reap billions in profits annually, with their financial success intimately tied to ongoing conflicts and the demand for advanced weaponry. They have a vested interest in the perpetuation of wars, as peace would significantly diminish their market.
Looking closer to home, the arms industry here in Canada also plays a significant role. Canadian defence companies generate over $10 billion CAD annually. Companies like General Dynamics Land Systems have secured contracts worth billions, including controversial deals exporting armoured vehicles to countries with questionable human rights records. Canada is among the top 15 arms exporters globally, with significant exports to the Middle East. These corporations, too, have a vested interest in the continuation of conflicts.
Similarly, think about the pharmaceutical industry, both globally and within Canada. The global pharmaceutical market was valued at over $1.27 trillion USD (approximately £1 trillion) in 2022. Companies like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson reported revenues of $81 billion USD and $94 billion USD respectively. “Big pharma” earns billions from drugs that often manage symptoms rather than cure diseases. The opioid crisis has been a tragic example, with aggressive marketing and over-prescription of addictive painkillers leading to widespread addiction and death. In the United States alone, over 500,000 deaths have been attributed to opioid overdoses in the past two decades.
In Canada, the pharmaceutical market is valued at over $30 billion CAD. The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact here as well, with over 20,000 opioid-related deaths between 2016 and 2022. Pharmaceutical companies operating in Canada have faced scrutiny and legal action for their role in this crisis, profiting immensely while contributing to widespread suffering.
People might argue that these corporations are simply meeting existing demands and that they’re not responsible for the underlying issues. However, it’s hard to ignore the influence they wield over policy, regulation, and public perception. Globally, the pharmaceutical and health products industry spends billions on lobbying efforts. In the United States, it spent over $350 million USD in 2021 alone, the highest of any industry. Similarly, defence companies invest heavily in lobbying and political contributions to sway decisions in favour of maintaining the status quo.
In Canada, the pharmaceutical industry spends millions on lobbying efforts to influence drug pricing and patent laws. Defence companies lobby for increased military spending and favourable export regulations. This influence often results in policies that prioritise corporate profits over the well-being of people.
Moreover, the media plays a complicit role in this narrative. Sensationalist reporting and a focus on negative events keep audiences engaged but also perpetuate fear and division. The constant exposure to such content can desensitise us or, conversely, leave us feeling helpless and anxious. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break when we’re continually plugged into news feeds and social media platforms that thrive on engagement metrics, often at the expense of balanced reporting.
Amidst this grim landscape, there is hope. Awareness is the first step towards change. By recognising these patterns and questioning the motives behind the systems in place, we can begin to seek alternatives. We can choose not to be passive consumers of information and instead become active participants in shaping the narrative.
Education is paramount. By educating ourselves and others about the root causes of conflict and the mechanisms that perpetuate inequality and suffering, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions. We can support policies and leaders who prioritise peace, healthcare, and social welfare over corporate interests.
At an individual level, practising self-compassion can have a ripple effect. When we’re less hard on ourselves, we cultivate a mindset of empathy and understanding. This can translate into how we interact with others, fostering a more compassionate society. It’s about breaking the cycle of negativity that starts within and extends outward.
Furthermore, we can hold corporations accountable. Supporting ethical businesses, advocating for transparency, and demanding corporate social responsibility are ways to push for change. Consumer choices can influence market trends, and collective action can drive policy reforms. For instance, supporting local businesses, advocating for stricter regulations on arms exports, and pushing for better access to healthcare can make a significant difference.
In the realm of healthcare, pushing for more investment in preventive care and research into cures, rather than just treatments, can shift the focus towards long-term well-being. Globally, only about 3% of healthcare budgets are spent on preventive measures. Increasing this investment could lead to significant improvements in public health and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
In terms of conflict, promoting diplomacy, supporting peace initiatives, and challenging the normalisation of warfare can make a difference. International cooperation and disarmament efforts have historically led to reductions in nuclear arsenals and the banning of certain types of weapons. Public advocacy and pressure have been instrumental in these achievements.
It’s also important to recognise the role of systemic issues such as inequality, poverty, and lack of access to education in perpetuating conflict and disease. The richest 1% of the global population now owns over 50% of the world’s wealth, highlighting the vast disparities that fuel unrest and hinder progress.
As I sit here, absorbed in music that both soothes and stimulates the mind, I’m reminded that while the challenges we face are immense, they aren’t insurmountable. It starts with a single step; a moment of reflection, a decision to be kinder to ourselves and others, a willingness to question and to act.
Let’s take that breath. Let’s allow ourselves the space to care for our well-being. In doing so, we equip ourselves to contribute positively to the world around us. Change may not happen overnight, but with persistence and collective effort, we can move towards a future where profit doesn’t come at the expense of humanity.
In conclusion, the insights shared by those reflecting on their lives teach us a valuable lesson: life is too short to be spent in self-criticism and despair. By embracing self-compassion, we open the door to a more empathetic and proactive approach to the world’s problems. Let’s strive to be less hard on ourselves, to challenge the systems that perpetuate suffering, and to work towards a world where peace and health are valued over profit.
Take a breath. Take care of yourself. And perhaps, in doing so, we’ll find the strength and clarity to make a difference, not just for ourselves, but for everyone.
Photo by John McArthur on Unsplash