The Art of Coexistence

Book excerpt: We are facing a global crisis involving multiple problems, any one of which could drive humanity to ruin. This presents an urgent need and opportunity to create fundamental, long-term changes promising a sustainable future. Like it or not, this situation puts each of us living on Earth in a very special place in the history of humanity and our planet. This special position demands our reflection, wisdom, courage, and responsibility on a different level from that of previous generations. For pandemics, climate crises, and other such problems threaten all our lives, not only those of certain individuals or groups. It is also because we cannot solve these problems while putting the interests of any individual, group, or nation first. The key to solving the problems and challenges we face is coexistence. Coexistence is not about just recognizing each other's equal right to exist in this world; it is acting on the understanding that all life on Earth is interconnected. Coexistence is not one of many but the only way we can thrive together in the long run. More than any new technology or infrastructure, we most desperately need this understanding and attitude to achieve a sustainable planet. The conscience, empathy, and ability to reflect that we need to coexist harmoniously with one another are a natural part of ourselves. Finding this part hidden within us and learning how to use it is a new art we should pursue and develop. In this book, Ilchi Lee, in collaboration with Steve Kim, describes the core concepts and principles of this art, as well as methods for making use of them. He also proposes plans for moving beyond the personal level to applying such ideas for social, cultural, and institutional change.