True development: If progress means building taller buildings but fostering deeper divisions among people, is that really progress? — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
THE idea of a better world is one that has occupied human thought for centuries. We have devised countless systems – political ideologies, religions, social contracts, and economic theories – each claiming to be the answer to humanity’s problems. And yet, despite all these efforts, conflict, division, and suffering persist.
Why do we keep failing? Because at the core of it all, change does not happen unless individuals themselves change. No system, no policy, and no philosophy can improve the world if people refuse to rid themselves of greed, excessive ego, selfishness, ignorance, and tribalism. We claim to want a fairer, more just world, but do our actions align with this desire?
The illusion of progress
Humanity often prides itself on progress. We celebrate scientific advancements, economic growth, and expanding freedoms. But are we truly progressing in a meaningful way? If progress means building taller buildings but fostering deeper divisions among people, is that really progress? If it means increasing wealth while millions still suffer from hunger and poverty, have we really improved as a society?
History is filled with attempts to create better societies – communism, capitalism, socialism, democracy, theocracies, monarchies – each claiming to be the answer.
Yet, every one of them has been undermined by human nature. Corruption seeps in. Greed takes over. Those in power abuse their positions, and the oppressed become the new oppressors when given the chance.
We keep cycling through different “solutions” without realising that the real problem lies within us. Many of us under the pretext of survival feed our ego in our respective roles in life only to achieve narrow selfish interests.
The selfish nature of humanity
One of the biggest barriers to progress is our unwillingness to look beyond our own self-interest.
Many of us knowingly act against the common good to secure personal gain. Politicians push divisive policies to maintain power. Corporations exploit workers and the environment in pursuit of higher profits.
Even in our daily lives we often prioritise what benefits us over what is fair or just. We even knowingly defend our prejudices while criticising those of others.
We speak of justice, but do we apply it equally?
We want fairness for ourselves, yet we are often indifferent to the injustices faced by others.
We demand respect but refuse to give it to those who differ from us in race, religion, or nationality. This hypocrisy is at the heart of why the world remains in conflict.
If we truly practised the principle of “doing unto others as we would have them do unto us”, the world would look entirely different. Imagine if governments treated all citizens as they would want their own families to be treated. Imagine if businesses cared for workers the way they would want to be cared for. Imagine if individuals approached every interaction with empathy and honesty.
Policies that divide, not unite
This failure of human character is reflected not just in individual behaviour but also in national and global policies. Many governments prioritise control over unity, enforcing laws that create division instead of fostering cooperation.
Nationalism, instead of being a source of pride and responsibility, is weaponised to breed hostility against others. Political leaders thrive on keeping people divided because a divided society is easier to manipulate.
The economy, too, reflects this selfishness. We have built systems that reward exploitation rather than fairness.
The wealth gap continues to widen, not because the world lacks resources, but because we have allowed greed to dictate economic policies.
Corrupt leaders enrich themselves while the masses struggle.
And then there is war and violence – an endless cycle of destruction, often justified by false narratives of patriotism or religious duty. Millions have died throughout history, not because violence was unavoidable, but because a few in power chose it for their own benefit.
How many times have wars been waged not for survival or justice, but for economic or political advantage?
The need for internal change
The world will not change through laws alone. It will not change through revolutions, nor through forced ideology, nor through the preaching of morality. It will only change when people genuinely desire to change themselves.
If we want a world where suffering is minimised and happiness is shared, we must start with self-reflection. Are we willing to let go of selfishness? Are we willing to question our own biases? Are we willing to prioritise fairness over personal gain?
Until the answer to these questions is “yes,” history will continue to repeat itself, and the dream of a better world will remain just that – a dream.
Humanity has all the tools needed to create a just and peaceful world. We have knowledge, technology, and the capacity for empathy.
The only thing stopping us is ourselves. If we continue to cling to greed, ignorance, and division, we will never break free from the cycle of suffering. But if we make a conscious effort – on an individual and collective level – to embrace honesty, fairness, compassion and genuine care for others, then, and only then, can the world truly become a better place.
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 the writer’s own.
