Positive Emotions and Building a New World

Programme Notes

In Chapter 13 of The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, the Dalai Lama reflects on how we often relate to each other based on outward distinctions:

“This tendency to relate to each other on the basis of what differentiates us is so prevalent in today’s society. It’s given great importance and seems to be a reflection of our societal values, with our acquisition of material wealth. But one fundamental problem with this kind of approach is that you end up relating to the person’s money, their status or power, rather than the person himself or herself. No matter what other factors serve as the basis for our sense of community, no matter what other ways that we may relate to others, if we can maintain a feeling of connection to others based on our common humanity, it will prevent all these problems from arising.”

These words arrived at a time of deep reflection for me, and I found them strikingly timely. As I watched a lighthearted Christmas movie, my mind wandered to thoughts of material wealth—why couldn’t I live in a grand, opulent palace? The thought lingered for a moment, but I quickly realized that such a desire, while natural, would need to be rooted in something deeper than just the accumulation of riches. True wealth, I understand, is not merely found in possessions but in values, in the richness of one’s spirit and the connection we share with others.

I admit, the allure of the characters in the film was partially due to their wealth. But more importantly, I hoped it was their integrity, kindness, and values that truly drew me in. This isn’t an attempt to demonize wealth, nor to suggest that all wealthy people lack good intentions. Money, after all, is a powerful tool—it can serve as a force for good if used with compassion and wisdom.

However, the Dalai Lama’s wisdom speaks to something even more essential: the need to connect with others not through surface-level distinctions like wealth or status, but through our shared humanity. If we can look beyond the material to the spiritual essence that binds us all, we can build relationships founded on respect, kindness, and empathy.

I believe that if we focus on these deeper, spiritual connections—embracing the inner qualities that unite us—rather than being distracted by external differences, we open the door to boundless possibilities for collective growth and peace. It is this understanding, this shared bond of human dignity, that can truly transform the world.

– Frank Horvat