CONNECTED • DIVERSEPEACEFUL 

 

 

Unlike globalisation, the economic process that views the planet as one giant market to be dominated and exploited, globalism (as defined here) can offer an alternative and positive outlook on worldwide human culture as a single entity.

Globalism is connected. The internet enables the peoples, cultures, networks and systems of the world to connect with each other like never before in human history. It provokes endless opportunity for the exchange of ideas, solving of problems and forging of new bonds. Furthermore, it acts as a repository for all human knowledge, a realisation of H.G. Wells' vision of a world brain. While this undoubtedly brings its own set of troubles, our interconnectivity offers an unprecedented platform for resolving problems. Globalism exists because the internet exists.

Globalism is diverse. Our world is the sum of its parts - a bewilderingly vast collection of peoples, cultures, races, faces, customs, languages, ideas and beliefs. Globalism openly embraces that diversity, recognises that different approaches can have equal validity to cherished wisdoms, and believes that there is no 'us and them', only an 'us'. Furthermore, it understands that as our fragile planet comes under increasingly greater threat from ourselves, it becomes ever more important to act in harmony with nature rather than against it. This helps to protect the world's natural diversity and shows we realise how connected we are with our environment.

Globalism is peaceful. Throughout human history, violence has been the dominant response for the resolution of conflict. Conflict itself is a natural response to an absence of harmony and can sometimes be necessary, yet violence can never provide a sustainable solution and is only ever likely to beget more violence. Globalism advocates for peaceful solutions to problems, embraces principles of non-violence and encourages the spread of these ideals. The road to peace is longer and harder than the road to war, but it is ultimately more fruitful for all.

 

Born in England in 1971 yet raised in Wales, I became acutely aware of cultural difference from an early age. Being able to get by in both places yet not fully fitting in to either, I began to explore the British Isles to learn more about my home lands.

In 1994, I moved to the US and lived in Florida for a while, uprooting myself for the first time from the place that I'd always called home. On my return and during a period of ever closer union in my continental backyard, I set about developing a more pan-European outlook in life, visiting the cities and mixing with the peoples of the mainland.

I came to identify myself as British-European, yet having attained that perspective I then yearned to fully globalise my way of thinking. Two things happened in 2003 to set me on that path. A trip to Tanzania hugely broadened my horizons and led to a hunger for as big a challenge as I could set myself. In the same year, I moved to Tokyo which became my base for further explorations.

Four years on and after much new ground under my feet, I stood in front of Iguazu Falls, bordering Argentina and Brazil, in awe of nature's sheer power. I realised that my quest was complete - I had become a man of the world, a global citizen. Now, I am back in England again, full circle.

The primary purpose of this website is as a portal for work I have done over the years and the range of my other online activities, spanning creative, commercial and non-profit ventures. It will hopefully also capture or illustrate ways of thinking that I have developed throughout my journeys, and thus act as a platform to share my outlook with others that may feel a connection with it. Finally, there are sections of links for visitors to continue their own explorations.

Feedback is welcomed.

Dom Pates, England, 2011. 

 

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