Septuagenarian Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a world-renowned philosopher, psychiatrist, and neuroscientist, recently addressed a symposium titled The Future of Humanity, where he explored some of the most pressing questions at the heart of our existence—the existence of what is good, beautiful, and true. Reflecting on his lifetime, he observed that these fundamental transcendental values have been increasingly sidelined, decried, debased, and even destroyed. "It is not just that we are distracted from truth," he noted, "but we demand protection from it, lest it hurt us—in case life itself hurts us."

Such an observation has never felt more poignant. In a world increasingly perceived as unkind, unfeeling, and unconcerned—where the very essence of humanity—compassion, love, and concern for the well-being of others—seems to be vanishing at an alarming rate, the truth indeed feels deeply unsettling.

In this hyper-competitive socio-political environment, every facet of life—familial, social, professional, and spiritual—is under immense strain. The very systems and institutions designed to support them are also under pressure. Yet, amid such severe concerns, glimmers of hope remain. One such beacon is the story of a traveler’s journey—marked by surprising turns, remarkable encounters, and deep insights—that powerfully affirms the eternal human spirit. Why is this journey relevant to our discussion? Why, now more than ever, must we turn inward to reawaken the sacred space of humanity? Let us explore.

Journey of Thor Pedersen, Danish explorer

Thor is the only individual in history to have traveled to every nation on Earth without using a plane—a feat that took nine years, nine months, and sixteen days. From 2013 to 2023, he journeyed to over 200 countries (India being his 168th) by ship, train, bus, and other land- or sea-based modes of transport, embodying the true essence of exploration. But his journey was more than a test of endurance; it was a deep dive into the soul of humanity—transcending borders, cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. It was a testament to human conviction—universal beauty, grace, and resilience.

Thor's experiences were not just stories; they were catalysts for introspection. At their core lay a simple yet profound realization, captured in his words: "People are just people."

Wherever he went, he met ordinary people living ordinary lives—caring for families, finding joy in food, music, and sports, and prioritizing safety and stability over political or religious agendas.

Across every border, he was met with kindness and generosity. Strangers offered him meals, shelter, contacts, translations—or simply a smile when he needed it most—true to the spirit of our shared humanity.

His understanding deepened when he observed: “If we reduce people to numbers and statistics, we create distance and lose empathy. Divide and conquer is an age-old strategy, and it works well—but at what cost? We can keep dividing the world until, eventually, we all sit alone.”

Of course, Thor’s voyage was not without its challenges. He faced unpleasant encounters—threatened by drunk, armed, and hostile men, struck by cerebral malaria, and even held at gunpoint. Yet these did not deter him. We are reminded of Gandhi’s profound words: "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is like an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."

As a commoner unblessed by privilege or elitism, Thor’s journey presents several powerful truths:

First, his immersion in grassroots warmth stands in stark contrast to the steady decline in kindness we increasingly witness—even toward those closest to us, let alone strangers.

Second, while humanity may struggle to find its place in a world dominated by power, pleasure, and profit, it is still very much alive.

Third, as we idolize wealth as the ultimate measure of success, signs abound that we are losing our capacity for compassion, care, and cooperation—fundamental traits that define our humanity.

Still, let us pause to celebrate this: history is replete with individuals who, guided by innate humanity, have stepped forward in times of disaster and crisis—offering rescue and aid, often unacknowledged. Their unselfish acts, though quiet, reaffirm faith in humanity and pull it back from the brink.

Grim Realities

In an age more interconnected than ever, humanity is grappling with global crises—war, inequality, climate change, and poverty—that demand cooperation. Yet world leaders, even as they routinely convene to shape a better future, often fail to meaningfully address the catastrophic plight of millions. This reflects not just a failure of action—but a failure of intent.

We have long viewed the world as something to manipulate and control—ripe for conquest. Yet many of today’s crises are not random misfortunes but the calculated results of power-driven agendas. Greed, ruthless self-interest, and domination fuel brutal conflict, deprivation, environmental ruin, racism, and religious extremism—further deepening division and suffering.

Poverty, a direct assault on human dignity, leaves the vulnerable exposed to exploitation and abuse. It is vital to note the deep interlink between poverty and climate change. A recent study led by Dr. Timothy Neal of the University of New South Wales warns that a 4°C rise in global temperatures could reduce the average person’s income by 40%.

Alarmingly, those in power—whether in struggling nations, developing economies, or global superpowers—have often abandoned humanity as the cornerstone of governance. Toxic opportunism and authoritarianism continue to erode human dignity, casting aside the cardinal leadership principle: 

People Over Everything.

Even the brutal realities exposed by the COVID-19 crisis—which laid bare the fragility of global public health—failed to inspire sustained solidarity, especially toward the most vulnerable.

What of today's conflict-ridden world? According to the Geneva Academy, over 45 armed conflicts are ongoing in the Middle East and North Africa. Africa contends with more than 35 non-international armed conflicts. Asia remains a battleground for 19 such conflicts, while Europe wrestles with seven.

As bleak as this sounds, it is a call to action. One that urges us to reaffirm humanistic values—where every life is valuable, valued, and welcomed.

While expecting perfect alignment with humanistic ideals may be naïve, we must acknowledge the deeper causes of suffering within our societies—local, national, and global.

Three Most Influential Nations

Consider the world’s three most influential nations: the United States, China, and India.

India, the world's most populous democracy and a cradle of ancient civilization, is a key global player. Yet, it still grapples with polarization, discrimination, and exclusion. Hunger and malnutrition remain critical, especially among women and children—with stunting, wasting, and underweight rates alarmingly high.

China, a technological powerhouse shaping global dynamics, is widely criticized for its human rights violations. Its severe censorship and ongoing persecution of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang amount to crimes against humanity.

The United States, often viewed as a defender of liberty, faces contradictions. Recently, deportations of undocumented migrants in shackles and handcuffs drew global condemnation. Though legally justified, the inhumane execution of such acts undermines the very values the country claims to uphold. President Trump’s declaration—“Let’s bring religion back. Let’s bring God back into our lives”—rings hollow when juxtaposed with these actions. The U.S. also grapples with surging homelessness, systemic racism, and widening inequality—all challenging its image as a moral beacon.

We Are All Related

In a world increasingly marked by disillusionment and division, we must remember: this planet is not a patchwork of borders—it is our shared home.

As Professor Harvey Whitehouse of the University of Oxford reminds us:

“Remembering that we are all related and all experience many of the same challenges in life could be the key to addressing a wide range of global problems—from intergroup conflicts to extreme poverty and the climate crisis.”

If we fail to address this fundamental question, we risk descending into a soulless existence—a world full of people, but empty of humanity.

Yes, the degradation of our collective humanity is real—but it is not inevitable. Imperfection and complexity are part of what makes us human. Yet, we must reclaim the ability to engage in meaningful conversations and nurture relationships grounded in empathy, dignity, and care.

Our hearts and minds—feeling, willing, knowing—must not grow numb to the suffering around us. We must not be swayed by eloquent speeches or empty symbols. Only through real, tangible action can we reclaim what we are losing—the very essence of our shared humanity.

The imperative of our times: Reawaken our humanity. Embrace what matters most—people, planet, and our shared future.

(The author is former Deputy General Manager, India International Centre, Delhi; former General Manager, International Centre Goa; and author of Whispers of an Ordinary Journey. Views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at db.bhattacharyya@gmail.com)