The beauty of freedom is that each of us can think, speak and act as individuals. We can choose to speak out on issues that concern us or contribute causes we hold dear. It causes me pain, for instance, knowing that there are people all around the globe who are not permitted this most basic right. Within, my world, I can speak my mind. I can say to my friend that our governments’ policy in Iraq is misguided without fear of imprisonment. The power of one can be phenomenal under the right circumstances.

But all too often, each of us tends to think and act on those issues which affect us directly. I think if the human race were being observed by some higher form of alien race, they would see us as self-serving, short-sighted animals.

We kill each other over religious disagreements. We pollute and destroy the habit we live in because the pain it causes our grandchildren in the future does not affect us today. The general mentality, as hard as it is to admit, is: I want what is best for me-today.

I’ve always been a science fiction buff. One of the most simple and obvious statements I’ve gleaned from Star Trek is when Spock risks his life for the crew of the Enterprise. He quotes a Volcan axiom; “The good of the many outweighs the good of the few or the one”.

If the power of one can sometimes have dramatic results, imagine if the human race acted collectively for the greater good. Let me try to frame this.

What if every one in the U.S. woke up one morning and decided it was time to buy a more fuel-efficient car. Can you imagine the ripple effect this would have. What if everyone recycled everything they could. What if we only bought products that could be re-cycled! What if everyone applied the “reduce, re-use, recycle” philosophy to the greatest extent possible? Can you see the magnitude of this? Can you understand the need for the human race to begin to seeing things in a different way? Before we’ve gone too far, (if we haven’t already) we need to experience a global awakening. We need to save ourselves from ourselves.

It’s not as though you can’t see what I’m saying. These things are not some profound new thinking. This is just stating the obvious. You don’t need to search your soul for long to know that what I’ve said here is true.

So why is it so hard to act collectively? Why is it so hard to do the right thing?

It Isn’t- it’s just not fashionable.

Ever look back at the things you did in High School when you were hanging out with your friends? If you were like me, then you did things as part of your group that you would never do as an individual. I’d make a ruckus, piss-off the neighbors, drive like a maniac. It’s called mob-mentality. It starts with a single act of defiance and snow balls into night of mayhem.

Can we apply this “mob mentality” idea to the benefit of humanity? Yes, it just needs a little push to get going. It starts with you. Think collectively. Cause your family and friends to think collectively. Maybe it can work if you get noticed. That wouldn’t be a bad thing would it? Speak out for the greater good. Choose to do things because they are good for the whole- even if the act is not the best for you- that’s the hard part. Some actions are small and simple but when done collectively, the effects are monumental. Like voting, it’s a simple illustration of the power of one when it becomes the will of the people.

Apply this to as many things as you can; Use less, re-cycle more, pollute less, grow more plants, kill fewer animals, make a conscious effort to vote for the greater good not what is good for you. Demonstrate your commitment to others.

Show the aliens that we are not the short-sighted, self-centered race they have written us off as.