I recently learned a new word. ‘Meliorism’ is the belief that the world can be made better by human effort.
In our culture, where the mainstream media focuses on the worst of human nature, believing in meliorism might feel naive to some. But I hope that by the time you’ve read through the pages of the new issue of Positive News magazine, you’ll agree it has a place.
For one, I offer you our feature on the Ministry of Imagination. The people we meet are just five among hundreds to have offered bold and beautiful ideas for collective thriving; ‘policies’ on everything from governance and economics, to art and fulfilment. Thinktanks made up of five-year-olds? Check. Mandatory time spent on the breadline for bankers? Tick.
Those frustrated by the narrow thinking in politics as elections loom in the UK and US, may be cheered to hear that blue-sky thinking is a bit of a theme this issue. The Icelanders trying to put a glacier on the presidential ballot. The nurse who has resolved that no one should ever die alone. The design duo challenging creatives to radically redesign everything.
From outlandish and visionary, we also go back to basics. To the, seemingly anyway, most basic of foodstuffs: bread. The chances are you’ve already eaten some by the time you read this today. So, what if we see our daily bread as a chance to vote for the kind of world we’d like? We meet people who are passionate about making good bread accessible to all, and discover how collaboration is what makes this movement grow and grow.
One of my favourite pieces this issue is by Conroy Harris, CEO of a mentoring charity for young men: A Band of Brothers. It captures how even when things feel intractable – locked-in anger or habitual damaging behaviours for example – compassion can unlock the possibility of change. I’ve read his words over and again, and they’ve brought tears to my eyes every time.
The people we meet are among hundreds to have offered bold and beautiful ideas for collective thriving
I’d love to hear your examples of human beings who, by making an effort, have made the world better for many or few. Maybe for you. As US author and social activist bell hooks wrote: “What we cannot imagine cannot come into being.”
So let’s share more stories of people doing and thinking brilliant things. I hope you enjoy the issue.
Main image: Laurie Fletcher
