It is like being a citizen in the new world of inventions and discoveries, where there is always something new. This knowledge is so vast that even 50 years ago, people couldn’t believe it was possible. We can see the interconnectedness and complexity of our relationships within and outside of our worlds. To be a citizen and part of the rapidly changing world is to be connected to your loved ones through global networks.
Booking a flight is all that’s required to make travel easy. This goes beyond destinations. It also includes speed. In 1912 it took seven days for an ocean liner to travel from Southampton, England to New York. Today, it takes just six hours to fly non-stop from England to New York. Innovation is a catalyst for change and excitement, but it’s also tied to one key element that allows us all to prosper: innovation. Kwame Anthony Appiah argues in his book “Cosmopolitanism” that the stranger should be considered a part of you. He states that every human being should be held responsible. This might seem a lofty goal, but it is achievable. Appiah does not take this lightly and attempts to put realistic limits on subjects that may lack them. Appiah shares his experiences as a citizen of the globe and uses them to help people connect to one another. Appiah’s most important aspect is staying connected through dialogue, ideas, despite opposition. It is easy to understand how Appiah engages with the material in books such as “Cosmopolitanism. Ethics in a World of Strangers”. Appiah makes use of his knowledge of literature as well as history to create an intricate web of moral principles and stories. These historical pieces also reflect his childhood. Appiah, whose British mother was his father and Ghanian mother his mother, has experienced a fascinating upbringing that shaped him as a person. Appiah shares details from both his parents’ heritages and links these facts to the moral ideals he shares in the book. He recalls the Asante region’s capital, Kumasi as a childhood memory. This is all to introduce the word “strangers”. These were people not from the region but from all over the globe. He didn’t ask these people why they traveled so far as a child. But now he knows that “conversations across borders can be fraught” because the stakes are increasing and the world shrinks. He repeatedly reiterates that conversation is what binds people together at the end. Appiah covers many topics in the book but always brings up conversation. In “The Primacy of Practice”, for instance, Appiah states that “practices are more important than principles to allow us all to live in peace.” Although people may not agree on certain issues or moral principles, what allows us all to live together peacefully is the ability to have conversations and get to know each other. Sometimes conversation is used as metaphor to allow others to experience the same thing and also for talking.
Appiah introduces Diogenes to express his views on a global citizenship. As a matter of fact, Aristotle previously identified himself as being from the whole world and not a specific region. Diogenes is the one who first used the term “cosmopolitan”. He replied that he was a citizen from the world, rather than kosmopolites. This is a complete oxymoron. An individual can be a citizen by being part of a specific country, or having different relationships with the state. Scholars all over the globe continue to debate the definition of “global citizen”. The most common definition of a global citizen is “awareness. caring. Embracing cultural diversity. promoting social justice. sustainability. With a sense o o t o act. Although I’m not sure Diogenes thought of this, I digress. Appiah defines cosmopolitanism as the act of accepting cultural diversity. This ideal would be: taking seriously the worth of each person and their lives. This includes acknowledging their beliefs, practices, and gravity. The cosmopolitan recognizes that everyone is different. Appiah recognized this and believed that people should learn from their differences. The whole point of the book was not to force others to become cosmopolitans-this is the mission of counter-cosmopolitans-but instead adopt a pluralist view. Understanding global trends and issues are the first step to recognizing one’s place in the global context. Even though it might be difficult, or even impossible, becoming a global citizen is something that can be done.
Because the cosmopolitan understands all aspects of life, it is not unreasonable to assume that everyone will be able or willing to follow the same path. Appiah states that “cosmopolitans understand that there are many valuable values to live by, but that you don’t have to follow them all.” We all know that humans are flawed and human beings are not perfect. New evidence may challenge what is currently believed. It is the belief of counter-cosmopolitans that there is only one way for humans to live, that the differences must be in the details. They want people join their cause but plan to destroy and kill any differences that we may have. The cosmopolitan is interested in understanding what makes us different and what makes the world look differently. Even though people might learn from those they disagree with, it is possible. You may have the power to decide your destiny, and how you live your life. In contrast, counter-cosmopolitans find that even conversation across differences is precisely what should be discouraged. Conversations with people from different faiths would lead believers astray. They are not curious or surprised at the views of disbelievers. Counter-cosmopolitans have no wish to understand the other side, it is their belief that everyone else is so astronomically wrong, that it is their sole mission to save everyone from themselves.
The people are responsible for deciding what they do with their lives. You decide where to live. It is wrong to force someone to do something they don’t want. Appiah creates a moral code for a world where seven billion people live together. Appiah examines a broad range literature, history, philosophy, and other topics to bring people together in a holistic way. To make his point clear, he shares some of his personal experiences as well as his childhood to share his thoughts and emotions. This book was written with a realistic and humane outlook to help people redefine their moral obligations to one another. Is there anything we owe strangers simply because of our common humanity? It is hard to answer the questions, but you will continue on your way.
