A better world: The solution lies in a collective shift toward compassion, particularly among two key groups: adults and young people. — 123rf
IT seems like 2025 is flying by – it’s already the middle of February. It serves as a reminder that life will continue regardless of whether humanity is prepared or not. Time moves forward, and Earth and the universe will outlast us. Our existence is just a small chapter in the grand scheme of things. This leads me to a question someone recently asked me: “What advice would you give for a better 2025?”
My answer is simple: we need more compassionate adults and more compassionate young people.
When I say “compassionate”, I mean the ability to understand and recognise the suffering of others, to foresee their needs, and be willing to help reduce that suffering. Compassion involves empathy and action. It’s not just about feeling for others, but actively working to improve their circumstances. In this way, compassion can become a powerful force that shapes our world for the better. To cultivate compassion, you must put yourself in the other person’s position.
Many of the challenges we face today – poverty, inequality, environmental degradation – are largely the result of human actions. While we cannot control natural disasters, many of society’s issues are rooted in our behaviours, from greed to a lack of empathy. These problems often arise because of a failure to understand the impact of our actions on others. The solution lies in a collective shift toward compassion, particularly among two key groups: adults and young people.
The role of compassionate adults
Adults hold significant power in shaping the future, especially when it comes to guiding and mentoring the next generation. For 2025 and beyond, adults must lead by example. Values like integrity, discipline, accountability, and responsibility need to be lived out every day. If adults do not embody these values, how can they expect young people to understand them? The attitudes adults display influence the behaviours of the younger generation. If greed and dishonesty are prioritised, society will continue to suffer into the next generation.
Adults must practice what they preach. This means demonstrating empathy in both personal and professional lives, listening with understanding, and responding with kindness. Adults should also ensure that they are teaching young people the importance of responsibility, respect, and collective well-being. Compassionate adults don’t just lecture – they show how it’s done. They encourage the younger generation to think beyond themselves and consider the needs of others.
Furthermore, adults must avoid passing on harmful ideologies. Ideologies like racism, negative nationalism, religious bigotry, and discrimination are destructive forces in society. If adults promote or tolerate such beliefs, it becomes difficult to expect future generations to foster unity, inclusivity, and kindness. In a world that has made great strides towards equality and understanding, allowing such divisive ideologies to persist only deepens societal wounds and perpetuates injustice.
For instance, negative nationalism, where loyalty to one’s country is taken to an extreme and used to justify hostility towards other nations or cultures, can create divisions that hinder international cooperation and peace. Similarly, racism and discrimination – whether based on skin colour, religion, or ethnicity – fuel hatred and inequality. Adults who model compassion can challenge these harmful beliefs, teaching young people to celebrate diversity and embrace the humanity in everyone, regardless of their background. By rejecting negative ideologies and promoting kindness and understanding, adults set the foundation for a better, more harmonious future.
The role of compassionate youth
While adults guide the next generation, young people also have a vital role in shaping a better future. Youth is a time of strength and opportunity, but it’s fleeting. If young people focus solely on immediate gratification and personal gain, they risk contributing to a world of division and suffering. Furthermore, they must learn not to be swayed by the illusion or arrogance of youth – the belief that health, strength, and success are guaranteed forever. This mindset can lead to reckless decisions that harm both individuals and society.
In 2025 and beyond, young people must recognise the long-term impact of their actions. One key area where their influence will be significant is in the development and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). As future leaders in technology, young adults will help shape how AI affects everything from jobs to privacy and security. It’s essential that they approach AI with responsibility, ensuring it benefits society without causing harm or reinforcing biases.
Compassionate behaviour must be present in both personal and, especially, professional lives. Additionally, young people will soon hold key roles in business and government. Ethical behaviour, transparency, and efficiency will be essential as they manage companies and make decisions that affect the public. Young leaders must prioritise sustainability, fairness, and social responsibility in business practices, and justice and equality in government. By embracing these values, they can ensure progress serves the greater good and promotes a more compassionate world.
As we move further into 2025, we must understand that the future of our world depends on the compassion we cultivate. Adults must lead by example, showing integrity and responsibility in their actions, while also mentoring the next generation with these values. Young people, on their part, must recognise their power to make change and act with the collective good in mind. Through empathy and action, we can build a better, more compassionate world for all. It’s only by embracing these principles that we can hope for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Senior lawyer Dato Sri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
