Universal truths are constant

"Laws change. Social systems crumble. Universal truths are constant. It is a fact, it is a plain fact that what is true and right is true and right for all." -Brad Pitt, 12 Years a Slave

What struck me in this movie was how less than 150 years ago, a practice as inhumane as human slavery could be an accepted social custom.

It was interesting how the movie depicts two slave-owners that are both deeply religious, yet one applies his religion to affirm his belief in the dignity of all people in spite of his own contradictory situation, yet the other intently skews the scripture to support his own brutal treatment of slaves. In reality many slave-owners back then actually deluded themselves to believe, with religious fervor, that people of a certain skin color do not have a soul. It shows that religion or doctrine in itself is not inherently good or bad, it is up to the believers to decide whether or not to pursue a good purpose with sincerity.

This lesson from history also reminds me about the importance of strengthening our conscience to withstand the lies within social customs.

In spite of his own brutal treatment by the general society, the main character in this film clearly did not lose his dignity, but found solace in the soulful hymns that strengthened his conviction in justice based on universal truths.

In the same way we should constantly check our moral compass through investing in our spiritual lives and seeking for universal truths established by God.

Paraguay-Korea cooperation

I was inspired by a recent symposium on a Paraguay-Korea alliance that I had the opportunity to listen in on last week. (You can read about it on the Global Peace Foundation website's landing page here.)

The main topic of the symposium was about building an alliance between Korea and Paraguay for the development and prosperity of both nations.

What struck me was to see how having a strong vision, principles, and values is essential to the success of even a complex task like nation-building. Without a foundation of a common ethical code, even a nation's development is hindered because its companies are less likely to receive foreign investment due to a lack of trust in the long-term stability of that company.

Carlos Gustavo Fernandez Valdovinos, President of Central Bank of Paraguay

I realized that modern developed countries (including the United States and Korea), have gradually forfeited their moral foundations rooted in traditional family values and culture in the hastened pursuit of economic advancement and development.

Recognizing this demerit, I’m very intrigued with the solution presented in this symposium of pursuing moral and economic development in tandem. I believe this will be a historic symposium in solving the ethical and humanitarian challenges facing our world.