JAN 1, 2050
The transformation of Earth into a significantly happier and more cooperative realm traces back to the pivotal year of 2024. It was during this time that Suzanne Taylor initiated an essay contest, inviting individuals to share their ideas and efforts aimed at fostering a more cooperative global community by the year 2050.
Now, let’s journey back twenty-six years to February 2024. Allow me to introduce myself and share the perspective I held when I embarked on this remarkable endeavor.
FLASHBACK TO 20.02.2024
WHO AM I?
Greetings, I’m Soma Ghosh (she/her), currently based in Mumbai, India. My journey has taken me across various countries, both for work and leisure, enriching me with diverse experiences. Raised in a milieu that blends Western and Eastern influences, my essay reflects the synthesis of the finest elements from both cultures. My mother was a Professor of Western Philosophy, my schooling was in an Irish convent school in Calcutta where I grew up. You get the gist.
When I refer to Eastern philosophy, I primarily draw from Hinduism, which boasts some of the world’s oldest scriptures and texts. It’s worth noting that many subsequent philosophies, such as Buddhism, have borrowed heavily from Hinduism and introduced these concepts to the Western world. Hinduism is more than philosophy, it teaches us the meaning of live, art of living it in a sublime spiritual but practical way.
Nevertheless, let’s return to Suzanne Taylor’s ingenious initiative in 2024, which inspired me to pen this essay when I stumbled upon it in the second week of February. I applied these concepts in the manner I knew best—first, as a senior corporate professional with multinational companies like Johnson & Johnson during my initial 18-year career, and later as a screenwriter, writer, and artist in my second career, which began in my 40s. I have been a multiple award winning Chief Marketing Officer in India and awarded in multiple forums as an influential leader.
Then, why the career switch? I realized I had accumulated a wealth of experiences and reflections to share from the life I had lived and examined, and I was in search of meaning. Writing became the vessel for this quest. I suddenly lost my father when I was 13years old , I was close to death twice and I had kidney failure in my 40s. I was fortunate to have a kidney transplant two years ago, and get another lease of life. However, these experiences changed me permanently as a person and what meaning I was looking for in my life. And how to share this with the world, so that others don’t have to experience the anguish and suffering that I had to go through, so that they can benefit from the processing I have done of my pain to come out on the other side.
Art has deeply impacted me in ways that my family and friends can attest to, second only to spirituality.
HOW DID I APPROACH THIS ESSAY?
Delving into the essay’s topic, I came to the realization that in this context, the opposite of cooperative may aptly be unhappy, instead of the obvious uncooperative. Unhappy individuals contribute to an uncooperative Earth. Therefore, it became apparent that our mission was to aid people in finding happiness, as it was us—humans—who were disrupting the harmony of Earth and, simultaneously, held the power to reverse the tide.
WARNING on length : Yes, the essay is long, perhaps longer than others. But, believe me, you will be somewhat changed after going through this essay : because there is something you will be exposed to that you didn’t know before. Secrets buried in the deepest places of India’s wealth.
YOU OWE ME a read , I think 😊 . I’ve sacrificed some and put in all my passion and knowledge into this essay.
SO, LETS JUMP IN
Imagine if I told you that the key to making Earth a more cooperative and harmonious place by 2050 lies in a simple yet profound practice: waking up at 4am every morning and dedicating two hours to studying and reflecting on self-improvement. I know, it sounds a bit out there, doesn’t it? But bear with me for a moment.
You see, there’s this concept in ancient Hindu texts known as ‘Sattvik time’—the purest time of the 24-hour daily cycle, occurring between 4am and 6am. During this period, we are said to be at our noblest and most receptive state, making it the perfect opportunity to tune into higher frequencies and absorb the values that align with our best selves.
I challenge you to give it a try for just one month. Spend those early morning hours immersing yourself in study and reflection, focusing on core values and universal truths. I promise you’ll start to notice a difference. You’ll feel lighter, happier, and more centered.
But here’s where it gets interesting. I didn’t just stop at preaching this idea—I took action. I started virtual study groups on platforms like Zoom, where individuals from all walks of life come together to engage in silent ‘satsang’ or community practice. Each of us delves into our morning study individually, yet the collective energy and focus of the group propel us forward on our shared journey of growth and transformation.
This practice may seem unconventional at first glance, but it’s a simple, low-cost, and incredibly powerful tool in our collective journey to a more cooperative world by 2050. So why not join me in embracing the magic of the early morning hours and see where it takes us?
MY STORY STARTS HERE
Here’s my journey, unfolding in the year 2050, where the seeds planted in 2024 with the three-pronged strategy had borne fruit.
It all began when Suzanne, Taylor shared her profound essay challenge with the world At first, I hesitated to take on this additional task, as I was already immersed in meeting a crucial screenwriting deadline for the Sundance episodic lab application—a potential game-changer for my career.
Yet, Suzanne’s essay prompt lingered in my mind, tugging at my conscience. I couldn’t shake the off the feeling that I needed to respond to her noble call, to contribute something meaningful that would benefit not just myself but the Earth and humanity as a whole. It was fate, perhaps, that led me to stumble upon Suzanne’s announcement through my writer-friend’s post on her Substack newsletter—a serendipitous encounter that I couldn’t ignore.
Despite the looming Sundance deadline, I felt compelled to pen this essay, drawing from my own lived experiences, deep reflections, and years of introspection on the human condition. My quest for understanding the essence of human existence had led me to delve into the teachings of our ancient Indian scriptures—the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita—seeking answers to the perennial questions of human suffering and sorrow. Over nearly a decade of dedicated study, insights began to crystallize within me, urging me to share these timeless truths with the world.
As I sat down one Sunday evening in February 2024, in the bustling city of Mumbai, India, I sensed a profound sense of duty, of obligation to put all of myself into it. I knew that this essay was more than just words on a page; it was a catalyst for change, a beacon of hope in a world plagued by uncertainty and discord. If received positively by Suzanne, her community, and the wider audience, this essay would take on a life of its own, potentially evolving into a documentary, a film, columns, social media—mediums through which its message could reach millions, sparking a ripple effect of world transformation.
But beyond the allure of mass media, I believed in the power of personal transformation—the kind that occurs one individual at a time, gradually building momentum until it reaches a tipping point and cascades globally. Sceptics may doubt the feasibility of such a vision, but recent events has shown us the exponential growth potential of ideas in our interconnected world. Just look at the meteoric rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Facebook amassed 3 billion active users in less than 20 years, Instagram 2 billion in less than 14 years. Staggering right? The same viral effect could propel my strategic plan for a more cooperative Earth, leveraging the vast reach and influence of social media to amplify its impact worldwide.
So, what exactly does my ‘THREE PRONGED STRATEGIC PLAN entail? At its core lies a simple yet profound truth: people become more cooperative when they’re happier. And thus, my essay explores the fundamental factors that contribute to human happiness, offering insights gleaned from both empirical data and personal experience. This is not merely a flight of fancy but a pragmatic approach grounded in reality—an invitation to embark on a journey toward a brighter, more harmonious future for all.
IF HAPPIER PEOPLE ARE MORE COOPERATIVE, THEN WHAT MAKES PEOPLE HAPPIER?
FIRST PRONG:POPULATION MANAGEMENT
Let’s dive into the first prong of my strategic plan: Population Management.
Countries with lower population densities tend to offer better access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and basic resources, fostering a sense of safety and, consequently, happiness among their residents. However, in countries like India, where the population stands at a staggering 1.4 billion, the story is starkly different. Despite being the fifth-largest economy globally in 2024, India ranks a dismal 126th on the list of happiest countries out of 146 nations. That’s a lot of unhappy people. This disconnect underscores a critical issue: overpopulation breeds unhappiness. (It also shows that GDP has little to do with happiness, but that’s another point)
Take Finland, for instance, the world’s happiest country, with a fertility rate of 1.26. It boasts robust healthcare systems, infrastructure, and ample resources, all contributing to its citizens’ overall well-being. In contrast, densely populated regions like India (fertility rate 2.2, but much higher in rural areas) struggle to provide adequate living conditions, with overcrowded spaces leading to compromised safety and basic well-being. Going beyond India. Asia, has 60% of the earth’s population, not a single country features in the top 20 happiest countries of the world list.
Ensuring safety and meeting basic needs, as outlined in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, forms the foundation for pursuing higher aspirations and fulfilment. Yet, in overpopulated countries, these fundamental requirements remain unmet for many, hindering their path to happiness.
Moreover, high population densities often correlate with diminished value for human life, exacerbating societal challenges like poverty and crime. To address this issue, awareness campaigns through mediums like documentaries, awareness-adverts and films, can educate the populace on the consequences of high fertility rates and the benefits of smaller family sizes.
Additionally, lobbying efforts can incentivize governments to promote family planning initiatives, offering subsidies and lower tax rates for smaller families in rural areas. Simultaneously, easing immigration restrictions between countries can facilitate the movement of people to regions with lower population densities, benefiting both sending and receiving nations.
In 2024, the earth supports already 8.1billion people, the ideal number is about 3billion for the resources available on earth. The urgency of population management becomes even more apparent in the face of global challenges such as resource scarcity, climate change, and pollution. Without access to essential resources like water, cooperation becomes difficult, leading to conflicts over land and basic amenities.
As someone who has chosen not to have children, I advocate for normalizing this decision to alleviate the strain on our planet’s resources. Breaking the stigma surrounding childlessness, particularly prevalent in Asian societies, is crucial for prioritizing the well-being of our existing global family and preserving the health of our planet.
Segueing from the first prong to the second, it’s evident that overpopulation often stems from low education and awareness, particularly among women. Patriarchal societies, widely prevalent in India and much of Asia, perpetuate this cycle. Research indicates a direct correlation between female education levels and declining fertility rates, laying the groundwork for the second prong of my strategy.
SECOND PRONG :GENDER equity and pay parity for women & LGBTQI+
Let’s delve into the second prong of my strategy: Gender equity and pay parity for women & LGBTQI+.
While all minorities are equally significant, I’ll focus on women here, as they represent nearly half of the population. Addressing this high-impact segment is crucial as we continue our efforts to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights.
Women must take the lead in executing this prong because, in both traditional and modern societies, they often perpetuate patriarchal and misogynistic mindsets, unaware of the harm they inflict upon themselves, other women and their children.
Drawing from my corporate experience, I’ve encountered numerous challenges stemming from a lack of gender inclusivity. As one of the few women in boardrooms dominated by older, misogynistic men, I’ve faced adversity first-hand. In my early days at Johnson & Johnson, the absence of women’s restroom facilities exemplified the systemic biases ingrained in the corporate world. Lobbying for change was arduous but ultimately rewarding, as I witnessed tangible progress in gender representation and workplace inclusivity.
I’ve faced pay issues, intentional exclusion in meetings and boysclub events, lack of eye contact from male seniors in board-meetings. To be reprimanded for being emotional at work. Hence, my cause to make these changes was and continues to be heartfelt and sincere.
From advocating for the hiring and promotion of competent women to ensuring equitable pay, I’ve championed gender diversity across various departments, catalyzing cultural shifts within organizations. By fostering discussions, mentoring individuals, and disseminating awareness through tech applications, customized talks, and media campaigns, I aim to amplify the message of gender equality and minority inclusion over the next 26 years leading up to 2050. And to shift the conversation from why should a woman get the CEO job, to why should she not get the CEO job. To shift the conversation to have more than 50% women across seniority levels at work, so corporate culture and rules are challenged for better balance. We shouldn’t have to adhere to all the rules cast in stone by men for years together.
I firmly believe that achieving gender balance and minority representation will not only enhance corporate culture but also drive performance across industries, including healthcare, law, politics, and entertainment. Having demonstrated this in my workplaces, other departments have been inspired to implement these actions and had great results.
Are you fit to be a parent to children who will inherit the Earth?
Transitioning to the personal domain , that of a family unit , the bias against the female gender is as pronounced. So much so that in India, China, Pakistan we don’t let the girl child be born. That’s 34% of global population and top 2 of the top 5 economies, soon to become top 2 of the top 3 economies of the world.
Despite pregnancy sex determination tests being legally banned due to this very reason. And when they grow up, unreasonable dowry demands are made of brides’ families, and if not granted often dowry deaths occur. Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh are a few other countries where dowry deaths occur.
Let me share a stark statistic that illustrates this point : India’s gender ratios are 929 girls for every 1000 boys, with some areas that are as low as 910 girls for every 1000 boys. As you can imagine this leads to problems of rape, aggression and so many crimes inflicted on women.
I propose introducing a MANDATORY CERTIFICATION PROCESS for prospective parents before starting a family. In fact even before marriage. Worldwide.
Does this innovative approach sound absurd? Well I think not. Before we can drive, we need training and to pass a test then get a driver’s license to drive on the roads. To use our cars on the roads , we need what is called in India a PUC- pollution control check every six months, to ensure our vehicle isn’t emitting polluting poisonous gases and pollute the already polluted air. But to prevent toxicity in our society, families, world we don’t train for parenthood-readiness, for preventing perpetuation of further toxicity in human lives and families.
This certification, mandatory for both men and women, would equip individuals with the necessary skills and mindset to foster gender equality and respect within their households. In regions like India, where gender biases persist, addressing deep-rooted prejudices is essential to creating a more inclusive society. In countries like India and many parts of Asia and the world, women are the worst perpetrators of passing down misogyny and patriarchy onto the next generations.
The certification would ensure that both genders are probed as to whether they want to be parents or are succumbing to societal pressures. Whether they are fit and prepared for the kind of all-round responsibility involved in raising a family.
By mandating pre-parenting training focused on core values such as diversity, equity, and respect, we can dismantle patriarchal norms and stereotypes, instilling confidence and equal expectations in future generations. This proactive approach will not only foster happier and more cooperative family dynamics but also shape the values of children who will become adults and soon-to-be parents by 2050.
The certification process is a rather innovative, simple, and common-sensical idea that can have huge impact.
Therefore, in addition to the first prong focused on population control through heightened awareness among women, the second prong emphasizes innovative pre-parenting education to eradicate misogyny, patriarchy, and gender disparities in both professional and familial settings, ultimately transforming the quality and texture of life-on-Earth like never before.
This brings us to the third prong – The most foundational & transformational prong of the entire strategy.
THIRD PRONG
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Shedding DESIRES, the evil force that keeps us from being happy.
Now, let’s unveil the third prong of my strategy: How to make people happier, one person at a time. This prong stands as the most foundational and transformational aspect of the entire strategy.
Imagine if I told you that the root cause of all our human issues lies in our ceaseless DESIRES. What if I proposed that the key to infinite happiness lies in shedding our multitude of desires?
Join me as I delve into 5000-year-old wisdom, distilled and synthesized over nine years of my devoted study, reflection, and assimilation to be able to share this aspect in it’s cohesive simple form.
The root cause of the Earth’s problems is the human’s DESIRES. Synonymous with Satan in English, Shaitan in Islam, and Asura in Hinduism, desires originate from our individual Ego’s cravings. Yet, fulfilling one desire only begets more, fuelling a perpetual cycle of craving and dissatisfaction.
Consider this: when we indulge in a sensual desire, such as craving chocolate cake, we experience instant gratification that we mistake for happiness. But soon, the novelty wears off, and we crave more to feel happy, but now we are trapped in a cycle of diminishing marginal returns. Soon, eating more chocolate cake no longer make us happy, so we move on to something else. But we get physically diseased, monetarily bankrupt, morally bankrupt in this process of desire fulfilment. And worse depressed, addicted, lonely. This insatiable hunger for fulfilment extends beyond material desires to encompass interpersonal relationships, where unmet desires cause agitation and anger. The attachment to this desire, (in this case a lover for example) can cause one to lose reason, fight, scream and misbehave with everyone, because one cannot satisfy their desire. This emotional craziness might lead to eventually to total delusion and downfall. This may ruin one’s life & others’ lives too. This is how humans ruin themselves, communities, Earth, nature. Our human desires for wealth, power, fame, act as fuel, setting us, our relationships and Mother Earth on fire. Because fulfilling desires never leads to happiness, it just leads to further desires – more of the same, or different desires.
It’s important to know that our actions have consequences that Hindu scriptures call Karma.
However, what can we do about our desires? We all have them, they are natural.
Desires are universal facets of human existence, deeply ingrained within our nature. Let us explore their origins. Our desires often arise from a place of ignorance, stemming from a perception of inherent inadequacy within ourselves. This perception creates a VOID within us, leading to feelings of emptiness and discontent. In our pursuit to fill this void, we turn outward, seeking material possessions and relationships to fulfil us, complete us. However, these external pursuits of sensual pleasures soon fall short of providing lasting satisfaction as the aforesaid illustrations demonstrate. And as you may have experienced in your own lives.
German philosopher Schopenhauer said “ It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else”.
This sentiment echoes the wisdom found in the Bhagavad Gita: the ultimate journey is the one within. Through introspection, we come to realize our innate completeness and interconnectedness with all existence. That the Void doesn’t exist. This realization diminishes the hold of desire on our lives, and helps us see that we all belong to the ONE REALITY, we are all inter connected by this ONE enlivening principle. As we stop pandering to our sensual desires, and gain this higher understanding, soon our desires reduce, then drop off. This allows us to redirect our focus and energies toward the higher purpose. It makes us authentically happy. Our reduced desires translates directly into reducesddemands on earth’s resources. Now, there is enough for all on earth – nature, all species and all of human kind. We move from competitive to collaborative.
My personal commitment to this journey entails dedicated study and reflection on timeless wisdom, integrating it into my daily life and creative pursuits. By embodying these principles, I endeavor to serve as a beacon of inspiration for others, family, friends, colleagues, network, catalyzing a ripple effect of transformation and enlightenment. I am part of these study circles and help others get connected globally onto these study circles. They all come back to say how they have benefitted from it.
Moreover, all my screen-writing is imbued with these themes. These will become movies, tv shows and reach and inspire many many more. These are some of the actions I take myself.
Looking ahead, I envision a world where such profound teachings are integrated into educational curricula from an early age, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious and cooperative society. Through collective efforts and individual empowerment, we can steer humanity toward a brighter future, characterized by genuine fulfillment and shared prosperity.
On a personal note, I have witnessed first-hand the profound impact of these Gita teachings, not only on my own life but also on others, including my husband, who embraced it for edtech venture for kids. Guess what? This is now their most top-sought after course in their curriculum globally.
The widespread adoption and success of these programs reaffirm my belief in the transformative power of inner wisdom, guiding us toward a more enlightened and compassionate world.
Allow me to address a question that may be lingering in your mind :
What’s the solution to our desires? How can humans function without them? Should we simply idle away, doing nothing? Absolutely not. Our path lies in pursuing our obligatory duties while focusing solely on executing them to the best of our abilities, without fixating on the outcomes.
When our actions are aligned with a higher purpose, a noble goal that transcends personal gain, agitation and conflict dissolve. Moreover, a tremendous surge of energy is unleashed within us. By directing our efforts towards mindful action rather than fixating on results, we tap into a wellspring of vitality that allows us to excel in our endeavors. Paradoxically, when we relinquish our obsession with outcomes, the best results naturally ensue. This truth is experiential; test it out for yourself.
The prevailing issue in our world today, circa 2024, is our fixation on results at the expense of perfecting our actions. I’ve shared this insight within my social circle, and while it took time, they eventually embraced it as they witnessed its transformative impact in their own lives.
Our ancient scripture, The Bhagavad Gita, beautifully encapsulates this revolutionary proposition: “Your right is in action only, never to the fruits; let not the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction” (Chapter 2, Verse 47).
This wisdom needs wider dissemination, particularly in the capitalist West, where the ethos of greed has been glorified. To steer humanity back on course, we must embrace capitalism tempered with a strong socialist ethos to restore equilibrium to ourselves and to our planet.
Furthermore, the concept of Karma serves as a poignant reminder of the law of causation: as you sow, so shall you reap. This immutable law underscores the inevitability of facing the consequences of our actions, whether good or bad. For those driven by selfish motives, heed this cautionary tale; no one can escape the repercussions of their deeds.
This newfound collective consciousness, merging the best of Eastern and Western philosophies, heralds a new dawn for humanity. By leveraging Western technological advancements, such as social media, to disseminate this wisdom globally, we can effect systemic change on an unprecedented scale.
Returning to the start of the essay , where the “satvik” hours of 4 am to 6 am was pointed out for this study and contemplation, it was noted that the impact of this transcends ordinary realms.
In a personal endeavor, the television show I’m currently crafting, “The Happiness Project,” serves as a fictional vehicle to encapsulate these transformative concepts. Combining elements of science fiction with spiritual insights from the East, this show represents a synthesis of Western technology and Eastern wisdom. Through passionate pitching, if granted access of platforms like Apple TV that are open to futurist content, this narrative will reach audiences far and wide. Perhaps Suzanne and her communities might be able to access them to take forward this noble goal we are working on together.
Ultimately, as the majority of individuals on Earth embrace happiness and cooperation, we can envision a truly cooperative world by 2050.
TO SUMMARISE,
In conclusion, the essay presents a three-pronged strategic approach aimed at fostering global cooperation by 2050, where humanity not only senses but acknowledges its interconnectedness as one entity.
Prong 1 & 2 tackle symptomatic manifestations of societal issues, while the third delves into the root cause. Together, they form an integrated framework.
The first prong addresses population management, recognizing that without it, governments struggle to provide essential services in overpopulated regions. Ensuring individuals’ basic needs are met is foundational to fostering a sense of security and well-being.
The second prong focuses on promoting gender equity and LGBTQI+ inclusivity. Proposals such as mandatory pre-parenthood training and certification may initially appear unconventional but stem from a deep understanding of societal stigmas and a commitment to systemic change.
The third prong operates at the individual level, advocating for a transformation of mindset rooted in ancient Hindu wisdom. By understanding and internalizing principles from texts like the Bhagavad Gita, individuals can transcend the pursuit of fleeting desires, leading to genuine fulfilment and harmony with oneself and the world. That we are all part of the ONE REALITY, ONE ENLIVENING PRINCIPLE in the universe. We belong together. It’s like we don’t favor one arm over the other, they both belong to us. Likewise we get this understanding about the ONE-NESS we are all part of.
Ultimately, this approach cultivates authentic happiness by recognizing the inherent interconnectedness of all beings. The infectious nature of these transformative ideas propels society forward, fostering a cooperative and joyful world by 2050.
Throughout this journey, the emphasis is on making the process enjoyable and engaging, in stark contrast to the challenges posed by past adversities. Thus, through proactive dissemination of these transformative concepts, humanity steers towards a future characterized by collaboration, happiness, and safety. And whilst doing so we made it fun.
TO CONCLUDE,
In conclusion, I, Soma Ghosh, sign off from Mumbai, India, in 2024, a country teeming with 1.4 billion people and a rich heritage steeped in a 5000-year-old philosophy. I sign off with a heart that is full, and an intellect that is grateful to have been able to share my deepest , most authentic feelings, thoughts and action plan on this matter.
I commit to continue living and leading in alignment with the principles outlined in each prong of this strategy, serving as a beacon of an example for others to follow.
Reflecting on the words of Mahatma Gandhi, the champion of non-violence who led India to independence, I am reminded of his timeless wisdom: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Indeed, Suzanne Taylor’s initiative, which I encountered through a serendipitous post on my Seattle-based writer- friend’s Substack, echoes this sentiment. It was a call I felt destined to answer, and I embrace it wholeheartedly.
As I move forward, I carry with me the belief that individual actions, rooted in selflessness and driven by a commitment to positive change, have the power to shape a brighter future for all.
BACK TO PRESENT : 1st JAN 2050
And this was how we collectively went to make the world a happier and thereby more cooperative place in 2050. It all started one day in February 2024…
Thank you for your attention on my essay. I hope you gained something from it.
Thank you for having this contest. I gained a lot from putting myself on the page for this visionary but executable topic.
Namaste.
ESSAY written by SOMA GHOSH, © 20.02.2024
All rights belong to the writer and any part may be used only with writer’s consent.