1+1=1

It may seem like a stupid statement, one that defies the past centuries of mathematical and scientific development. However, it is one that has become the focal point of my life...the only thing which I can know without a shadow of a doubt.

1+1=1 is a zen concept that can also be equated to the Christian doctrine of imago dei. Both of these points, from separate points on the globe and different religions, provide the foundation for the interconnected nature of humanity. The zen concept is rather self explanatory: we are all equal to each other, we are made of the same, we are the same. Imago Dei means that we are all created in the image of God, thus suggesting there is an undeniable connection between all of humanity beyond any humanistic deconstruction or identification.

It is a compelling testament to our responsibility to one another. It suggests that we have an enormous responsibility toward one another, a responsibility that cannot simply be shrugged off. Over the last century different identities have developed, mainly due to the rise in nationalism, solidifying identities around the globe that have both unified and alienated people from each other. While this is an extensive question with many complex tangents, the point I am attempting to make is there is a concept that transcends our national, political, religious, and cultural boundaries; a concept that has the potential to overcome many of the violent struggles facing our world.

Is it ignorant to hope for a world where there is some concept which can unite people? If we were all to be more considerate of people that are not our neighbor, or even a fellow American...but someone who we did not know, have never seen, but was inherently connected to them due to their simple humanity....would we pay more attention to our actions, our wars, the way we vote, how we spend our money?

It is easy to buy a cheap shirt at wal-mart, or a pair of running shoes...we do not have to think about the child who made it, the grandmother who may have spent 12hours a day stitching your "must have fashion"? It is easy to dehumanize and choose not to think about it. But what if we thought about it, we thought about the humanity inherent within us all...would that change your mind?

Alright, well think about it...