If You Are Reading This. . .
Switter makes a few assumptions.
If you are reading this:
You have electricity. Are you aware of and grateful to all the men and women who work day and night to generate and transmit that electrical power to your home? Are you grateful for the men and women who installed to electrical system in your home? Are you grateful for the people who made the components, mined the minerals and metals that went into the components? Do you understand how privileged you are to be the recipient of all these services and endeavors?
You have access to the internet. See above. Do you understand how privileged you are to be the recipient to this almost miraculous system that connects you to all the knowledge, wisdom, commerce, and people that was unthinkable a lifetime ago.
You have a device to access the internet. See above. Do you understand how privileged you are to have a device on your arm, in your hand, or on your desk that connects you to the world with ever increasing power and ever decreasing costs?
You were taught to read and to use your device by people who spent years learning to teach you the skills you are so privileged to possess.
You have more leisure than every generation before you to learn to communicate , and to access and to explore the wisdom and knowledge of the ages.
You are healthier, wealthier, more privileged, and have more choices, freedom, and potential than every generation before you.
Do you understand that with great privilege comes great responsibility to ensure that others benefit from all the opportunities you enjoy every day?
If you do understand these great privileges, give a little whisper of thanksgiving when you switch on a light, access the internet, enjoy a hot shower, turn on the heating or air conditioner, wear new, clean clothes, travel anywhere in the world by plane, train, automobile, ship, bicycle, or foot, eat food only kings enjoyed in past generations, sleep in comfort, and live without constant threat or fear. But most of all, do not keep your privilege to yourself. Share it freely and without expectations of repayment.
For to whom much has been given, much is expected.
A
“For to whom much has been given much is expected.” A little kindness and empathy go a long way.
Thanks for sharing and reminding us.
Great reminders. As I sit here with my laptop, in a place that has never been bombed, where grocery stores overflow with choices, where electricity is available all day every day, and clean water flows freely from my tap, it is important to remember the many unseen privileges I take for granted every day.