We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men. (U.S. Declaration of Independence July 4^th, 1776).

Billions of people all over the world are self-declaring their independence from failing governments, ineffective leadership and the sub-optimal management of public goods, peace, security and equitable development. At the global level, unprecedented manifestations of social unrest represent strong evidence of the failure of traditional and national representative democracy to protect true liberty, life and the genuine pursuit of happiness.

The human aspiration to contribute to society’s well-being is increasingly evident: inspired by a sense of belonging to global humankind, people are leaping beyond old and misleading beliefs, petty self-interests and traditional cultural values, moving beyond borders, even beyond times and generations. Pushed by an innate and irrepressible sense of global justice, the human race is engendering a change of the species, from the irresponsible Homo Sapiens Sapiens, into the purposeful, modified genus of Homo Sapiens Solicitus: smart enough to become capable and willing to use intelligence and wisdom to care for all.

This article is a part of 'Big Questions of Our Time - The World Speaks'. To download the full publication, click here.