Someone told me that Saskatchewanians are very stubborn and independent, but when they know that they have to work together, they cooperate with one another very well. If that is true, then the people of Saskatchewan might be the most civilized and evolved homo sapiens on the earth. Can any race or group of people under the sun be independent and cooperate spontaneously whenever and for whatever they need? This unique but excellent characteristic must have come from the particular survival experiences of prairie life in Saskatchewan. Eventually no matter what and where people are, this good character of community life will become the ideal goal and model for the people of the whole world.
Unfortunately we are living in an uncertain, insecure and unsafe world. As a result people are becoming more selfish, competitive and aggressive. Modern psychology teaches that feeling driven life is nothing wrong. Even more it makes you what you are and identifies who you are. But the big pit-hole of this theory is that it does not say what the consequences will be and who is going to be responsible for them. If you do whatever makes you feel good and whole consequences of your deeds are also totally your responsibility; then what is good and beneficial for your life by following "the feel good culture"? It seems like a commercial advertisement on TV saying, "Take this pill. If it works out, it is good for you. But all other consequences of side effects are your responsibility to discuss with your doctor."
I know there are so many good medical supplements and very effective ways of treating of human problems. The main point of this week's UC Chimes is that we, especially the people of Saskatchewan, have to be more stubborn and independent in personal choices. And sometimes we have to be more flexible and cooperative to work with others. The good news is that people are learning by doing, especially through mistakes, failures and consequences that follow. In order to prevent repeating the same or similar foolish mistakes and actions, it is strongly encouraged that we participate in community activities as many as possible, and take advice from experts as many as you can before making any important personal decisions. That is the reason why we, human beings, have been social animals from the beginning of creation.
Fortunately many activities and events are going on in this community. Many of these communal works need your helping hands and supporting hearts. Together we build up the communal spirit in our community. From now on zero-sum games, which make others losers, are no longer fit for personal or communal life, except the football team the Roughriders. People are now preferring to play non-zero-sum games, making win-win situations for everyone and anyone in all circumstances. Indeed, communal spirit is always based on non-zero-sum games making everyone a winner. All of you are invited to the Community Christmas Carol Service on Sunday, Dec. 16, 7:00 pm at Carlyle United Church. The more of you join in community, you (as all inclusive) win more big times.
