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Thalia Toha's avatar

Steve- I appreciate you introducing me to Burke’s work. I might just add this to my to-watch list. Hope you’re doing well this week? Cheers, -Thalia

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Steve Brant's avatar

You're welcome, Thalia. He is a master history storyteller! And he's still going strong! Here are more recent episodes... all on the same theme... how the "universe" changes when what we know changes...

https://curiositystream.com/video/6468

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TaurusGirl🐂's avatar

I really appreciate your linking of President Biden’s UN speech to the issue of war being outdated. This is a profound point that deserves further exploration. There are indeed many examples in history that show how scientific progress can change the way humans behave, such as James Burke’s series “The Day the Universe Changed”. I think there is a lack of specific action plans when proposing this radical idea. Although the article calls for challenging existing standards of behavior, it does not explain how to achieve such changes in reality. The roots of war are complex, involving not only military industry, but also multiple factors such as politics, economy and ethnic conflicts. The article would be better if it could provide more practical suggestions and specific action plans.

There needs to be a better balance between idealism and reality. Global cooperation is indeed the key to addressing global challenges such as climate change and the epidemic, but in reality, many countries and interest groups still rely on war or conflict to achieve their goals. How to take the first step in the complex reality and reduce conflicts should be further explored.

Overall, this article is inspiring and full of hope for the future of mankind. I agree with its core ideas, but I hope it can be more practical at the action level.

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Steve Brant's avatar

Thank you for commenting on my essay, Jenna. And thanks for saying an action plan is needed. I will not go into details here, because I'd have to write a book-length answer to do so. But the key is Public Education. People cannot ask for what they don't know they can have. One of my inspirations for teaching the public a breakthrough in the quest for World Peace is possible is Walt Disney, who - in 1955 - helped teach the American people that space travel was now scientifically possible. This was before the existence of NASA. In fact, the programs he created as part of his Wonderful World of Disney TV show helped create the support needed by the public for the creation of NASA.

My plan involves creating a similar education - entertainment partnership... leveraging the Route 66 Spirit of America Museum I opened in June of 2023 here in Stroud, Oklahoma. Route 66 turns 100 in 2026 (the same year the United States turns 250). Leveraging those two anniversaries is part of my plan as well.

Here's a link to the YouTube video of the 1955 program Walt Disney produced. I hope it helps you understand how (to borrow from James Burke) "the universe can change" on the subject of World Peace for people in America and eventually around the world. (Getting to World Peace actually involves a scientific breakthrough people aren't familiar with yet also.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFXza9RH7-E

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Mukhles U Rahman's avatar

Cooperation is the key!!!

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Steve Brant's avatar

Yes, it is! Dr. Deming knew and taught this truth, and I miss him and Russ every day!

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