Encouraging responsible global citizenship is key to progressing international diplomacy. As inhabitants of the earth, we owe it to ourselves and communities to cultivate a prosperous environment that is respected by all. Healthy participation in civic debate progresses the idea of civic discourse. In an era marked by polarization and conflict, “The 10 Virtues of the Modern World” offer a practical and effective guide for promoting understanding, respect, and meaningful communication across differences.
The ten virtues encompass themes of resilience, empathy, patience, sacrifice, politeness, humor, self-awareness, forgiveness, hope, and confidence. Skillful diplomats truly embody these morals to facilitate meaningful and successful interactions with their fellow peers. Those who embrace and practice these virtues are well-positioned to achieve greater levels of self-actualization and personal fulfillment. Abraham Maslow, a renowned American psychologist, coined the term self-actualization, describing it as the psychological process of one fulfilling their highest potential.
A responsible global citizen must develop a clear understanding of their passions, values, and life goals. This process aligns closely with the principles outlined in the hierarchy of needs developed by Abraham Maslow, which emphasizes the pursuit of personal growth and self-actualization. According to Maslow, reaching the pinnacle of his hierarchy requires the fulfillment of fundamental needs first. One must start at the grassroots level by satisfying the basic survival needs of food, water, and rest, as well as security and safety. Upon meeting these lower-level needs, individuals are able to pursue belonging through friendships and relationships, while also striving to satisfy esteem needs associated with competence, achievement, and recognition. It is not until all these lower level necessities are satisfied that one can focus on the highest point of the pyramid - the self-actualization level.
The qualities that characterize an accomplished diplomat are often rooted in a high degree of self-actualization and a well-developed sense of personal purpose. The path toward this goal is supported by the 10 Virtues of the Modern World, especially through the development of humor, empathy, and hope as guiding principles. Humor connects people, as it offers a unique sense of unity, a way of having a shared experience to smile over. Understanding the intentions of others through empathy has a similar power. An empathetic individual uses emotional intelligence to recognize the diverse perspectives of others. Channeling ideals of empathy and humility allows one to truly adopt a hopeful outlook on the world. Practicing gratitude and believing in the goodness of life fuels the psychological weapon of hope. By doing so, one develops their achievement potential, as they create a “can-do attitude” by focusing on the good to come out of their dedication and resilience.
Fostering the virtues of humility, empathy, and hope is the guiding force behind learning to be a proficient diplomat, especially in today’s high-stress environment, where appreciating the complexities of conflict is a valuable asset. During times of divided debate, humor can be used to de-escalate emotions and redirect the conversation to a more collaborative space where empathy is used to foster a welcoming environment. A hopeful international community can be curated through educating the youth on these particular morals. Furthermore, individuals who have learned how to perform at their highest self-actualization level will do so by incorporating the highlighted three virtues.
The successful resolution of global challenges depends, in part, on a commitment in younger generations to cultivate the principles and perspectives previously discussed. It must be emphasized that anyone can be a diplomat, and in order to develop the confidence of young people, they need to be given the opportunity to do so. Dedicated educators can reference the resources The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire provides and use them as tools to guide future generations on the path to harnessing the true powers of responsible global citizens.
By Ava Popielarz, Bow High School Rising Junior.
