The reconnection of society, economy and ethics is a project we

In the heart of the world, where the winds of progress blow fiercely, there exists a sacred balance that governs the unity of all things—society, economy, and ethics. In the words of Michael D. Higgins, we hear a cry from the depths of our time: “The reconnection of society, economy, and ethics is a project we cannot postpone.” These words, charged with urgency and clarity, summon us to awaken from our slumber of neglect. For in this call, there is the truth of our age—the truth that the world, fractured by greed, division, and injustice, will never find its harmony until these three pillars are united once more.

In days of old, the ancient civilizations understood the interwoven fabric of life. They knew that society was not merely a collection of individuals, but a web of relationships bound by shared values, responsibilities, and ethics. The great philosophers of Greece, such as Plato and Aristotle, spoke of the importance of the moral compass in guiding society toward a just and flourishing existence. In their vision, economy was not separate from the ethical, but was the very means by which people lived with dignity and shared the fruits of the earth. The society was the vessel that carried their common purpose, and the economy was the instrument through which they achieved it. Their wisdom stands as a reminder to us that these elements are not meant to be divided, but to function as one.

Yet, in the present day, society and economy have become estranged, and the ethical has been cast aside like a relic of the past. Higgins speaks to this great rift, this fracture that has torn apart the essence of what it means to live together on this earth. We have allowed the economy to dominate, driven by self-interest, consumption, and the relentless pursuit of profit, while society has become increasingly divided, isolated in its wealth, and disillusioned with its leaders. The ethical, that which should guide the human heart and elevate the soul, has been relegated to the margins, forgotten in the rush to fulfill immediate desires. We live in a world where success is measured by material wealth, and human value is often determined by status rather than by the depth of character.

But let us remember the ancient vision, where ethics was not an afterthought, but the soul of the economy and the society. Consider the story of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, who was known for his benevolent leadership and commitment to the well-being of his people. His economy was not one of endless exploitation, but one that fostered justice and equality. The policies of Cyrus were built on the understanding that a society’s strength lies not in the accumulation of riches alone, but in the fairness with which it treats its citizens. Under his reign, the ethical considerations of leadership, justice, and fairness were not separate from the workings of the economy. They were inseparable, bound in the vision of a society where the people thrived together.

Now, Higgins' words demand that we heed the lessons of the past. The reconnection of these three forces—society, economy, and ethics—is not a matter of abstract theory, but a project of great urgency. The state of the world is such that we can no longer afford to ignore the imbalance that exists between these realms. We must reimagine our world, one where the economy is not merely a tool for the accumulation of wealth but a means to serve humanity, to uplift the poor, to protect the vulnerable, and to preserve the environment. Society must be grounded in compassion and shared responsibility, not in the endless competition that drives inequality. And above all, the ethical must be restored as the compass that guides us toward true justice and peace.

The lesson, then, is this: we are the stewards of a world that has veered off course. Society, economy, and ethics must be reconnected if we are to heal the fractures that divide us. We must begin by re-evaluating our values, shifting away from the self-serving principles that have dominated our time and returning to the foundations of fairness, justice, and community. Let us demand accountability in both our leaders and ourselves. Let us forge an economy that serves not just the few but the many, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive with dignity. Let us build a society where the ethical is not an afterthought but the very core of our actions.

Now is the time to act. The reconnection of these three elements is not a future dream, but a present call. We must begin today, in our own lives and in the world around us, to weave together the fabric of a society that is just, compassionate, and grounded in the highest ethical ideals. Let us move forward with purpose and resolve, knowing that in this great project, we are not merely changing the world, but fulfilling the truest purpose of our humanity. In doing so, we shall create a legacy that is worthy of our children, one built on the principles of justice, equality, and shared responsibility.