Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) was an American who wore several hats. He was an architect, systems theorist, writer, designer, inventor, philosopher, and futurist. One of his quotes is this: “It is now highly feasible to take care of everybody on Earth at a higher standard of living than any have ever known. It no longer has to be you or me. Selfishness is unnecessary. War is obsolete. It is a matter of converting our high technology from WEAPONRY to LIVINGRY.” Buckminister was right when he said that it is feasible for everybody on earth to now enjoy a higher standard of living than at any other time in history. The reason is that the world now experiences higher prosperity than before. Unfortunately, rather than have everybody live better, there is a growing rate of poverty and the gap between the rich and poor is ever widening.

“Selfishness is unnecessary.”

Buckminster’s theory of a higher standard of living is contingent on two things. Firstly, selfishness must be removed. The question is, can the world stop being selfish? The answer is no. National and international politics are premised on selfishness. It is called self-interest or national interest. The second thing needed for a better world is the abolition of weapons. Again, will they do that? The answer is no. Nations live in mutual suspicion, so they need weapons as deterrents. Had Buckminster looked into the Bible, he would have discovered that his proposal is for another era. Both Isaiah and Micah spoke of the time when weapons of war would be turned into agricultural implements. Nations would not learn the art of war anymore. At that time, wars would be obsolete indeed. Such experiences are reserved for the day of God’s Kingdom on earth. In the meantime, what we can do is pray, “Thy Kingdom come”.