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50 Questions for a Better World

A recent survey by ConversationWeek.org arrived at the top 50 questions people are asking with regard to making the world a better place. A survey is being conducted to arrive at the top 10. The 50 questions they selected as the most pertinent are listed below.

  • What can we do to reduce or eliminate violence in the world?
  • How can intangibles like values and beliefs tangibly contribute to solving the problems of our times?
  • What will it take to achieve world peace? Not just end war, but wage peace? What would a peace army look like, and what would it do?
  • What have your found works to open another’s mind to what you have to say, especially if they think they already know?
  • How do we shift from “Me” to “We” on both the local and global levels?
  • How can we take responsibility for making a better future without making others wrong?
  • What kind of leadership does the world need now?
  • What does sustainablity look like to you? How do we get there?
  • The more I learn, the more I find out that everything I advocate has at least an equal downside. How can we do what’s right?
  • How can we reconcile our commitment to justice with our human tendency to protect our possessions and side with our familiar social group?
  • How can those of us who have plenty best fulfill the responsibility we feel for those who can not meet their basic human needs?
  • How do we create a culture that is inclusive of all people and beliefs?
  • Given how often marriages don’t work, what will make marriages work – and worth holding onto – in the future?
  • What does compassionate living look like to you?
  • What do you hold so dear that you would give your life to it?
  • Is democracy right for all people and for these times?
  • How can you, as Gandhi said, be the change that you want to see in the world?
  • How should we re-invent the political process so that people feel that they have a voice?
  • What difference do you hope the upcoming US election will make?
  • How can we best prepare our children for the future?
  • What helps you have energy and hope in these times?
  • What do you most want for our world? What would it take to bring that about?
  • When you look back at the end of your life, what legacy would you most love to have left the world?
  • How can we balance our personal needs with the most pressing needs of our community and the larger world?
  • What do you want the legacy of your generation to be?
  • Seven generations from now when the children of the world look back to the work we’re doing today, what do you hope they will be talking about?
  • Many young people are scared to grow up because threats seem everywhere. What can we all do to rebuild hope for the future?
  • What is the economy for?
  • How can we create an economy that allows everyone to meet their basic needs?
  • How can humanity both continue to provide lives of dignity for its billions while concurrently living within the resource-means of the planet?
  • What kind of economic structures can best support a shift to sustainable living?
  • How do we provide for the health needs of all people?
  • If our world is really looking down the barrel of an environmental catastrophe, how do I live my life right now?
  • What makes life meaningful?
  • Why are we unethical sometimes and why do we tolerate unethical behavior?
  • Is the future friendly? Why?
  • If you were king or queen of the world, how would you fix what’s wrong?
  • What are the questions we should be asking ourselves?
  • What do you most need from your community or country right now? What does your community need from you
  • What do you stand for, truly stand for?
  • What do you consider when you pick a leader? Who are your role models?
  • Who are our leaders today?
  • What would it take to allow every person to meet their basic human needs?
  • How do humans need to adapt to survive the changes predicted for this century?
  • How can we stay balanced while responding effectively to the current crises?
  • If indeed most of us want peace, why don’t we have it?
  • What increases trust? How can we have more trust in this era of “the war on terror”?
  • What is the difference between holding strong convictions and being prejudiced?
  • How can we be open to viewpoints different from our own while maintaining our integrity?
  • Can technology be wise? Can wisdom be practical?

    By Greg Johnson

    Greg Johnson is a freelance writer and tech consultant in Iowa City. He is also the founder and Director of the ResourcesForLife.com website. Learn more at AboutGregJohnson.com