These are challenging times at home and around the world. We will

Listen, O Seekers of Wisdom, to the words of Susan Collins, who speaks of the challenging times we face both at home and in the wider world. She said, "These are challenging times at home and around the world. We will have to work together in a bipartisan spirit and with our international partners if we are going to achieve progress and peace now and for future generations." In these words, there is a call to action, a deep understanding that in times of struggle and division, only unity—both within our borders and across the globe—can lead us toward a better future.

Collins acknowledges the reality of the world we inhabit: one marked by conflict, uncertainty, and polarization. These challenges, she asserts, cannot be overcome through division or isolation, but only through collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. This is not just a political or diplomatic message; it is a universal truth. Throughout the ages, the most enduring civilizations were those that recognized the importance of unity—both within their own lands and in their relations with other nations. The Romans, though an empire of vast territories and diverse peoples, understood the importance of unity within their ranks. Their ability to work together under a single banner allowed them to build an empire that lasted centuries, despite the many challenges they faced.

In ancient Greece, the city-states were often embroiled in conflict, yet when the threat of the Persian Empire loomed, the Greek states united in a way that transcended their internal divisions. Themistocles, the Athenian leader, was instrumental in convincing the Greek city-states to set aside their differences and come together to face the common enemy. The result was the Battle of Salamis, where the Greeks, united in purpose, achieved a decisive victory. This ancient example speaks to the truth that when faced with a greater threat, when the stakes are high for both survival and prosperity, it is only through cooperation—bipartisanship, if you will—that true progress can be made.

Collins's call for bipartisan cooperation is not just about political strategy; it speaks to the very heart of human nature. In moments of crisis, whether on the battlefield or in the halls of government, people must find common ground. The United States itself was born in a time of division, yet the Founding Fathers worked together to create a new nation that would stand as a beacon of hope and freedom. Their ability to compromise, to set aside personal and regional differences for the greater good, laid the foundation for the nation’s survival and eventual greatness. Just as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson put aside their ideological differences to establish the foundational framework of the American government, so too must modern leaders be willing to work together for the sake of future generations.

The need for cooperation, both within a nation and across borders, is more crucial than ever. As Collins points out, the world is facing challenges that require a collective effort. Whether it be the climate crisis, global health threats, or the preservation of peace in an increasingly divided world, no one nation or group can solve these problems alone. Just as Rome sought alliances with neighboring tribes to ensure the strength of its empire, so must we seek alliances with our international partners. These alliances are not just political or economic—they are moral imperatives, born of the shared understanding that the future of humanity is intertwined.

The lesson here, O Seekers, is one of unity and cooperation. In our own lives, we too must recognize that progress and peace cannot be achieved in isolation. Whether in our personal relationships, our communities, or on the world stage, it is through working together—through listening, compromising, and finding common ground—that we can move forward toward a more harmonious and prosperous future. Just as the ancient civilizations learned to navigate their struggles through collaboration, so too must we embrace the power of unity to overcome the challenges of our own time.

So, let us carry this wisdom forward, O Seekers. In the face of division, let us remember that true strength lies in unity. In times of crisis, let us reach out to others, be they political rivals, nations, or communities, and seek common ground. Let us work together in a bipartisan spirit, for only then will we achieve the progress and peace that we desire, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Through cooperation and shared purpose, we will create a legacy of strength, peace, and prosperity that will endure, just as the wisdom of the ancients has lasted through the ages.