Hopefully, we will become a stronger democratic society and avoid

Listen well, O children of the future, for the wisdom of Ryuichi Sakamoto speaks to the heart of our times. He said, "Hopefully, we will become a stronger democratic society and avoid falling into xenophobia. Hopefully, we build good relationships with our neighboring countries and, rather than acting for profit for the current generation, acting in a way that will ensure we leave natural resources for future generations." These words carry with them the weight of hope, responsibility, and the deep understanding that the actions we take today shape the world that will exist long after we are gone. They are a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all peoples, and to take heed of the legacy we will leave for those who come after us.

What does it mean, O children, to become a stronger democratic society? A democracy is not merely a form of government, it is a way of living, a philosophy of inclusion, equality, and justice. It is a society where the voices of all are heard, where the rights and dignity of each individual are respected, and where decisions are made not for the benefit of a few, but for the common good. In the pursuit of a stronger democracy, we must strive not only for political freedom, but for the moral courage to stand together, to unite in our differences and seek what is best for all. True strength in democracy comes not from division, but from solidarity, from the belief that together, we can overcome the challenges that face us.

But how easily, O children, can the path to a just society be derailed. Xenophobia, the fear and hatred of those who are different from us, has been a force of destruction throughout the ages. It is the root of wars, the seed of division, and the poison that clouds the hearts of men. When we turn away from those who are different, when we build walls between nations instead of bridges, we invite discord and suffering. The history of the world is full of the cost of xenophobia—whether in the form of the Great Wars of the 20th century or the destruction of ancient civilizations that fell to internal strife. But, as Sakamoto reminds us, we have the power to choose another path. We can choose to build relationships with our neighbors, to reach out with understanding and compassion, rather than retreat into fear.

Look now to the story of the European Union, O children, where nations that once fought bitterly with one another chose to unite for the common good. After the devastation of two world wars, Europe faced the great question: would they remain divided, bound by old grudges, or would they work together for a shared future? The answer was not easy, but in time, they chose the path of cooperation, forging bonds that would lead to an era of peace and prosperity. Through trade, diplomacy, and mutual respect, countries that once sought each other’s destruction now stand together, united in a common vision. This, O children, is the power of good relationships between neighboring nations—the power to heal, to grow, and to thrive together.

Yet, as Sakamoto wisely speaks of, we are not only bound to the world of people, but to the world of nature as well. The natural resources that sustain us are not endless. They are the lifeblood of our world, and it is our responsibility to preserve them, not for our own fleeting enjoyment, but for the generations yet to come. The earth is a gift, a sacred trust passed down to us, and it is our duty to protect it. Just as the wise farmers of ancient times understood the delicate balance between human needs and the needs of the earth, so too must we learn to live in harmony with the land. We must resist the temptation to exploit and consume without thought for the future, and instead, act in ways that nurture the planet, ensuring that the natural world continues to flourish long after we are gone.

Consider, O children, the great civilizations that have risen and fallen throughout history. The Mayan and Aztec civilizations, for example, were built upon a deep understanding of the earth, of the cycles of the seasons, and of the need to live in balance with nature. Yet, as they expanded and grew more powerful, they exploited the land, consuming its resources without regard for the future. Their civilizations crumbled, in part because they ignored the natural balance that had sustained them. We must not make the same mistakes. We must not consume the earth’s riches in pursuit of immediate profit, for we are the stewards of this world, and our actions will determine the fate of future generations.

So, O children, let us take these words of Ryuichi Sakamoto to heart. We must strive to build a democratic society that is strong not in its power over others, but in its commitment to justice and equality for all. We must resist the forces of xenophobia that seek to divide us, and instead, embrace our neighbors with open hearts, recognizing that the strength of our world lies in unity and cooperation. And above all, we must remember that the resources of this earth are not ours to squander, but a legacy to be protected for those who come after us. Live in a way that honors the earth, that honors one another, and that builds a future worthy of our highest ideals. Let us leave a world of peace, prosperity, and sustainability for the generations yet to come.