The whole world is one big dysfunctional family. But no matter

The words of Eddie Griffin—“The whole world is one big dysfunctional family. But no matter how dysfunctional we are, we can still have a positive impact on each other’s lives. We can still try to get along together.”—resound with the truth of human existence, spoken with humor yet heavy with wisdom. He reminds us that the divisions, quarrels, and wounds among peoples are no different from those found at any family table. Nations bicker like siblings, cultures clash like stubborn parents and children, yet beneath it all, there remains the thread of kinship. For we share one earth, one destiny, and in that sense, we are bound as family, whether functional or not.

The origin of this insight lies in the ancient understanding of humanity’s unity. The Stoics once spoke of the “cosmopolis,” the great city of the world, where all people are citizens. Likewise, the scriptures of many traditions proclaim that all men and women are children of one Creator. Griffin, in his way, restates this timeless truth: we may quarrel and wound each other, but still, as family, we remain bound by ties that cannot be broken. In our dysfunction, we still possess the capacity to heal, to lift, to impact lives for good.

Consider the story of post-apartheid South Africa. For decades, the land was torn apart by division, hatred, and injustice. The family of the nation was broken, filled with bitterness. Yet through the leadership of Nelson Mandela and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the people were called to remember that despite their deep wounds, they were one family. They chose not perfect harmony, but the effort to get along, to begin anew, and to seek healing. In that choice, the positive impact of forgiveness became stronger than the scars of dysfunction.

Or recall the rebuilding of Europe after the Second World War. The nations had torn one another apart like feuding kin, leaving cities in ashes and millions dead. Yet through the Marshall Plan and the creation of alliances, enemies became partners. Dysfunction was not erased, but it was channeled into cooperation. Out of devastation arose a recognition that if the “family of nations” was to survive, it must learn to get along together. Here again, Griffin’s words shine: unity does not mean perfection, but perseverance in relationship.

The meaning of his words is simple, yet profound: we are not called to wait until the world is free of quarrels to do good. Even in brokenness, even in the midst of dysfunction, we can choose to offer kindness, compassion, and respect. The dream of a perfect family may be an illusion, but the power of imperfect people to shape each other’s lives for the better is real. To demand perfection is folly; to strive for positive impact amid imperfection is wisdom.

The lesson for us is clear: accept the brokenness of humanity, but do not surrender to it. Instead, recognize that your words, your actions, your small acts of love, can heal wounds within the great family of the world. Do not say, “The world is too broken, so nothing matters.” Rather say, “The world is broken, so my compassion matters even more.” This is how siblings, despite their quarrels, still hold each other up when danger comes.

Practical wisdom calls us to act. When you encounter conflict—whether in your household, your community, or among nations—remember that the other is still family. Strive not for triumph, but for reconciliation. Offer kindness in place of insult, patience in place of anger. And when others falter, do not cast them out, but remind them of the bond we share as one human race. In this way, each of us can become a force for positive impact, helping the great dysfunctional family stumble a little closer to harmony.

Thus, let Eddie Griffin’s words endure as both humor and command: the world may be a family marked by flaws, but still it is family. And though we may never achieve perfection, we can still choose to get along, to uplift one another, and to leave behind us not the memory of quarrels, but the legacy of love. For even in dysfunction, unity can be born, and in unity, the future can be saved.