Ali Horriyat's Blog

The post Voices of Change: Compassiviste Dialogues Brings New Perspectives on Compassion and Humanity appeared first on Compassiviste.

The post Ali Horriyat: The Magic of Compassionate Activism appeared first on Compassiviste.

The post The Light At The End Of The Tunnel appeared first on Compassiviste.

The post Compassionate Activism with Ali Horriyat appeared first on Compassiviste.

The post Building a Compassionate Society Through Community Engagement Strategies: How Compassiviste Foundation Does It appeared first on Compassiviste.

The post Compassiviste Publishing: A Platform for Impactful Stories appeared first on Compassiviste.

Art is more than pretty pictures and catchy tunes; it’s a powerful tool for social change, a mirror reflecting our society’s triumphs and struggles, and a megaphone amplifying voices often unheard. Art has always been a powerful tool for self-expression, communication, and social commentary. From cave paintings to modern murals, art has reflected and shaped our societies throughout history. In today’s world, where social issues are complex and multifaceted, the revival of art as a social influencer is more crucial than ever. From the ancient cave paintings to modern-day street art, art has always been intertwined with human expression and the evolution of our world. Art can inspire, provoke, and unite people in ways that traditional forms of activism and policymaking often cannot.

In a world grappling with complex social issues – from the looming threat of climate change to the persistent struggles for economic equality and universal healthcare – it’s easy to overlook the power of art. Yet history has repeatedly shown us that art is not merely a decorative element of society; it’s a potent catalyst for change. To repurpose art to this purpose, we need to reinstate art through social policy reforms to create an harmonious and equitable world.

Art, in its myriad forms, has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Engaging with art, whether through creation or appreciation, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Art therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for trauma and mental health disorders. It captures our joys, sorrows, fears, and aspirations. A comprehensive review found that about 80% of individuals experiencing mental health issues showed considerable improvement after engaging in art therapy. When artists channel their creativity to address social issues, they create a space for dialogue, empathy, and understanding. By prioritizing art in social policy, we can create spaces and opportunities for individuals to heal and thrive. When we invest in the arts, we invest in the emotional resilience of our communities.

Art provides a platform for marginalized communities to share their stories, struggles, and aspirations. It can amplify voices that are often silenced or ignored in mainstream discourse. Through art, marginalized groups can challenge stereotypes, raise awareness about social injustices, and advocate for change.

Take, for instance, the murals that adorn the walls of marginalized communities. They often tell stories of resilience, resistance, and hope. These artworks not only beautify neighborhoods but also empower residents, giving them a voice and a sense of agency.

Art transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, initiating dialogue and understanding among diverse groups. It can create empathy and connection by allowing us to see the world through the eyes of others. Art has an uncanny ability to shine a spotlight on pressing social issues. Paintings, sculptures, films, music, and literature can tackle topics like climate change, inequality, discrimination, and animal rights abuses with a raw honesty and emotional impact that statistics and news reports often lack. By promoting art that tackles social issues, we can encourage open conversations and find common ground on complex topics. Art can spark conversations, challenge assumptions, and inspire action.

Art has the power to inspire action and mobilize social movements. Throughout history, artists have used their creativity to challenge oppressive systems, ignite revolutions, and advocate for social justice. Consider the power of protest art, from the iconic posters of the civil rights movement to the climate change-themed installations of today. These artworks raise awareness, mobilize communities, and pressure policymakers to take action.

Civil Rights Movement artists in the US, for example, used their work to raise awareness, mobilize support, and fight for equality. Protest songs like “We Shall Overcome” became powerful symbols of hope, while visual art exposed segregation’s brutality and inspired action. Art unified people across race and socioeconomic background, depicting a vision for a just society.

The economic impact of art cannot be ignored either. Investing in the arts can create millions of jobs, stimulate local economies, and promote tourism, leading to more cooperative societies. Art-related industries contribute significantly to GDP and provide livelihoods for artists, artisans, and cultural workers. By supporting art through social policy, we can create sustainable economic opportunities for communities.

In a world where AI is increasingly replacing humans in various sectors, it becomes crucial to develop artistic avenues where human creativity and ingenuity can flourish. This not only opens up diverse economic opportunities but also allows individuals to transcend the mundane, explore their passions, and contribute to society through artistic expression. By embracing art as a viable career path, we empower individuals to sharpen and perfect their unique talents, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Investing in the arts is not merely an economic decision; it is an investment in the human spirit, ensuring that our potential for exploration, innovation, and betterment remains boundless even as technology reshapes the world around us.

Art encourages us to think outside the box, challenge conventional norms, and explore new possibilities. It encourages a spirit of innovation and creativity that is essential for addressing complex social issues. By integrating art into our approaches to social challenges, we can find novel solutions and create a more vibrant and inclusive society.

Art isn’t confined to galleries and theaters. It spills into our streets, our schools, and our governments. Think of the powerful murals that ignite community pride, the therapeutic arts programs that transform lives in prisons and hospitals, or the political cartoons that hold our leaders accountable. Art has a tangible impact on our physical and social environments, and it can influence policy decisions by shaping public opinion and mobilizing movements.

Social Policy Reforms for a Creative Future

To harness the full potential of art as a social influencer, we need to advocate for social policy reforms that prioritize arts education, funding for arts organizations, and accessible arts spaces for all. We must also ensure that artists from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities to express themselves and contribute to the cultural landscape.

The revival of art is not a luxury but a necessity for a thriving society. Art is a powerful tool that can improve mental health, amplify marginalized voices, ignite dialogue, inspire social change, drive economic growth, and promote innovation. By embracing art through social policy reforms, we can create a future where creativity and social justice go hand in hand. We can empower artists to be the change-makers, the storytellers, and the visionaries who guide us towards the harmonious future we imagine. Let us invest in art as a means to build a more compassionate, equitable, and sustainable world for all.

The post The Art of Change: Art as the Original Influencer appeared first on Compassiviste.

Humanity is a complex web of contradictions. We yearn for peace and harmony, yet our history is drenched in conflict and oppression. We extol the virtues of love and compassion, but our societies are often fueled by fear, greed, and the relentless pursuit of power.

Are we simply delusional? Is the notion of a world ruled by love nothing more than a comforting fairytale? The notion that love and compassion are humanity’s true moral compass is a seductive and persistent illusion. It’s a fable embedded in our collective consciousness, a comforting narrative that we cling to in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

The Gandhian Fallacy

Mahatma Gandhi, a figure revered for his advocacy of nonviolence and love, famously proclaimed that, “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall—think of it, always.” This hopeful belief suggests that love and compassion can ultimately conquer oppression. However, history paints a far more nuanced picture.

While individual tyrants may indeed be overthrown, the systems of tyranny they represent often endure. The fall of a dictator rarely heralds the dawn of a truly harmonious society. More often than not, new power structures emerge, perpetuating the same cycles of control and exploitation.

The harsh reality is that human society, both historically and in the present day, is driven by personal greed and managed through collective fear and the rule of law. From the cutthroat competition of the natural world to the complex power dynamics of human civilization, fear and self-interest are the primary motivators. We are wired for survival and dominance, and these instincts often manifest in destructive and oppressive ways.

The pursuit of wealth, power, and status fuels our actions and decisions. We build empires on the backs of the oppressed, wage wars for resources and territory, and exploit others for personal gain. Even in seemingly peaceful societies, the underlying currents of greed and fear are ever-present. The law, while essential for maintaining order, is often a tool of the powerful to maintain their control and suppress dissent.

The Idealistic Fable

The belief that love and compassion are the primary drivers of human behavior is a seductive one. The concept of a loving and harmonious society, where compassion and understanding guide our actions, is a beautiful but ultimately unattainable ideal. It is a fantasy we create to shield ourselves from the harsh realities of human nature. We tell stories of David and Goliath, where the underdog triumphs against all odds through love and courage. We romanticize tragedies like Karbala and Romeo and Juliet, where love becomes a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. It appeals to our innate desire for connection and belonging. Yet, a dispassionate examination of history reveals a different reality.

These stories serve as a form of escapism, allowing us to momentarily forget the pain and suffering of our world. They give us hope that love can conquer all, even when the evidence suggests otherwise. But this hope is often misplaced, a distraction from the urgent need to address the root causes of our problems.

From the brutal empires of antiquity to the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century, fear and oppression have been the preferred tools of those who seek to control the masses. Law, propaganda, and the threat of violence have proven far more effective in shaping human behavior than appeals to love or morality.

This is not to say that love and compassion are entirely absent from the human experience. They exist, flickering like candles in a storm. But they are not the dominant forces that shape our societies.

The Illusion of Free Will

The idea that we live in a world where individuals have the freedom to choose their own path is another cherished illusion. In truth, our choices are constrained by a multitude of factors, including economic necessity, social pressure, and the ever-present threat of punishment.

Our societies are not guided by free will, but by complex systems of control that manipulate our desires and fears to ensure compliance. The pursuit of personal gain, fueled by consumerism and the promise of social status, keeps us locked in a relentless cycle of competition and consumption.

Perpetuating the Illusion

Our collective storytelling plays a crucial role in perpetuating the illusion of love’s triumph. We become addicted to the fantasy, seeking solace in its comforting embrace. We create elaborate narratives that justify our actions and absolve us of our guilt. We turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, choosing instead to believe in a utopian future that may never come.

This addiction to fantasy is dangerous because it prevents us from confronting the truth about ourselves. We become complacent, believing that love will eventually prevail without any effort on our part. We lose sight of the importance of individual responsibility and collective action in creating a more just and equitable world.

The Necessity of Hope

If the world is not driven by love, and if our choices are largely illusory, what is left to hope for? The answer lies in recognizing the need to balance our innate desire for freedom with the reality of our social constraints.

While tyranny may be the default setting of human societies, it is not an inevitability. By understanding the mechanisms of control that govern our lives, we can begin to challenge them and create spaces for greater autonomy and self-expression.

This does not mean abandoning the ideals of love and compassion. Rather, it means recognizing that these ideals are not enough to transform the world. We must also embrace the messy, imperfect reality of human nature and work within its constraints to create a more just and equitable society.

Suppressing Tyranny and Embracing Liberty

While the idea of a love-driven society may be a utopian fantasy, it does not mean we should abandon all hope for a better future. We must acknowledge the inherent flaws of human nature and work to suppress the worst aspects of tyranny and oppression. By protecting individual liberty, promoting social justice, and holding those in power accountable, we can create a society that is more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable.

The path towards a more harmonious future lies not in chasing the elusive unicorn of a love-driven world, but in recognizing the power of collective action and the importance of balancing individual liberty with the needs of the community.

We must strive to create societies that prioritize human dignity and well-being, not through the imposition of utopian ideals, but through the creation of systems that encourage cooperation, mutual respect, and the pursuit of common goals.

This is not a call to embrace cynicism or despair. Rather, it is a call to realism and pragmatism. For it is only by confronting the realities of human nature that we can begin to build a world that is truly worthy of our highest aspirations. This requires a commitment to truth, a willingness to confront our own biases, and a dedication to building a society that values individual dignity and collective well-being.

The post The Grand Illusion of Love and Humanity’s True Nature appeared first on Compassiviste.

In the theater of international relations, where conflicts flare and humanitarian crises unfold, the question of effective resistance looms large. In the face of overwhelming power and entrenched systems of oppression, the impulse to resist is natural and even commendable. However, history teaches us a sobering lesson: Even the most righteous and valiant forms of resistance often end in defeat or, worse, exacerbate suffering.

The recent conflict in Gaza, with its protests, boycotts, and humanitarian appeals, serves as a reminder of this harsh reality. Despite the global outcry, the suffering continues unabated, the power dynamics remain unchanged, and the vulnerable continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.

From the boycotts of Starbucks and McDonald’s to the broader movements for social justice, the impact of such actions remains a subject of intense debate. While these actions may have inflicted some economic damage on these multinational corporations, they have done little to alter the fundamental dynamics of the conflict. In fact, such boycotts may even backfire by alienating potential allies and hardening the resolve of the oppressors. In countries across the Middle East, where local franchise owners are aligned to the Palestinian cause, these boycotts only hurt the cause. These corporations operate within a complex web of economic and political relationships, often insulated from the consequences of consumer activism. Boycotts may inconvenience them temporarily, but they rarely translate into meaningful policy shifts or a resolution of the underlying conflict.

The United Nations, often touted as the last bastion of international law and diplomacy, has proven woefully inadequate in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice. The veto powers wielded by a handful of powerful nations effectively stifle any meaningful action that challenges their interests. This structural flaw renders the UN a toothless tiger, incapable of fulfilling its mandate to protect the vulnerable and uphold human rights.

With power concentrated in the hands of a few and a history marked by the suppression of dissent, it’s easy to succumb to despair. Some advocate for escalating resistance, even violence, while others cling to the hope of civil disobedience. Yet a sobering reality confronts us: the path of resistance is fraught with peril and often yields meager results.

History bears witness to the futility of confronting entrenched power. Even Jesus, a figure revered for his compassion and message of love, met a tragic end at the hands of the Roman authorities, egged on by the Jewish clergy. His crucifixion reminds us that challenging the status quo carries immense risks. In the realm of international relations, where realpolitik and national interests reign supreme, the prospects for meaningful change through resistance appear increasingly dim.

The crucifixion of Jesus, slaughter of Hussain ibn Ali, and assassination of Che Guevara serve as cautionary tales for those who believe that resistance alone can overcome entrenched power. It reminds us that the path to justice is often long and winding, and that compromise and accommodation may be necessary along the way. In a world dominated by bullies and capitalist power, the best defense of the vulnerable may lie not in futile acts of defiance, but in acknowledging the realities we face.

Civil disobedience, while noble in its intent, faces similar limitations. In a world where information is tightly controlled and dissent is often met with repression, the impact of peaceful protests and petitions is often muted. The powerful have mastered the art of co-opting or marginalizing such movements, rendering them ineffective in the long run. Advocates of civil disobedience and nonviolent protests often remind us of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., suggesting peaceful resistance yields results. However, these are two peacefully achieved victories for the marginalized among countless defeats. Even so, both activists were assassinated, martyrs of the justice they believed in.

Amidst this daunting reality, a pragmatic approach beckons. Perhaps the most prudent course of action is to accept the demands of the powerful, however unjust they may seem. This is not a call for surrender or complicity, but rather a recognition of the limits of resistance in a world where the balance of power is so heavily skewed.

The allure of acquiescence lies in the promise of immediate relief from suffering and conflict. By yielding to the demands of the superpowers, we might avoid further bloodshed and destruction. This approach aligns with the principle of self-preservation, as resisting a dominant force often leads to devastating consequences for the weaker party. Moreover, by cooperating with the powers that be, we might gain access to resources and opportunities that could improve the lives of the oppressed.

By accommodating the demands of the superpowers, we may be able to mitigate the worst excesses of their policies and create space for dialogue and negotiation. This approach may not be satisfying to those who yearn for immediate and radical change, but it offers a realistic path toward incremental progress. In the long run, it may prove to be the most effective way to protect the vulnerable and oppressed.

This strategy of acquiescence is not without precedent. Throughout history, many oppressed groups have adopted a similar approach, often with surprising success. By feigning submission, they were able to preserve their culture, identity, and ultimately their autonomy. In some cases, they even managed to turn the tables on their oppressors, using their own tactics against them.

The story of the biblical figure Joseph is a case in point. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph did not retaliate violently or protest, but gradually rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt through his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Despite the injustice he suffered, Joseph ultimately used his position to save his family and his people from famine. Another such example is found in Nelson Mandela who patiently waited 27 years to achieve justice and equality for all South Africans, intelligently using his time to retaliate at an optimal moment.

Of course, acquiescence is not a panacea. It is a difficult and often humiliating strategy that requires great patience, resilience, and cunning. However, in a world dominated by bullies and capitalist power, it may be the only viable option for the vulnerable and oppressed. By yielding to the immediate demands of the powerful, they may be able to avoid further suffering and ultimately achieve their long-term goals.

Nonetheless, the path of compliance raises significant ethical and moral concerns. By accepting the status quo, we risk perpetuating injustice and inequality. The powerful will continue to exploit the vulnerable, and the cycle of oppression will persist. Furthermore, surrendering to the demands of the bullies could be interpreted as a sign of weakness, emboldening them to further assert their dominance.

Some advocate the use of technology and social media to raise awareness and mobilize support for marginalized communities. By amplifying the voices of the oppressed, we can expose injustice and pressure those in power to take action. This has failed to produce tangible policy changes to recent social issues such as the BLM and the pro-Palestine movements. Social media, boycotts, violent and peaceful protests, and even legal action have often failed to nudge governments to respond to the will of the people. The rise of global interconnectedness has created new opportunities for solidarity and cooperation across borders, allowing for the formation of powerful transnational movements for change. However, we must seek creative and ethical forms of resistance that harness the power of nonviolence, technology, and global solidarity. The example of Che Guevara depicts a win for the cause, at the cost of personal life. This liberation movement received overwhelming local support, enabling social change.

In conclusion, the struggle for justice and equality is a long and arduous one. There are no easy answers or quick fixes. In the face of overwhelming odds, the vulnerable and oppressed must be willing to adapt their strategies and tactics. In the words of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “The softest thing in the universe overcomes the hardest thing in the universe.”

The post The Illusion of Resistance and the Wisdom of Acquiescence appeared first on Compassiviste.

Repurposing Book Infrastructure to Address Homelessness and Social Inequality

In a narrative as old as time, we’ve perpetually sought to balance the scales of society, attempting to harmonize growth with sustainability, and innovation with tradition. Today, this tale unfolds in a new chapter, one where the once-cherished tomes and the hushed rows of public and university libraries face the existential question of their purpose. If we dared to repurpose these institutions, could we not solve one of our most harrowing issues — homelessness — while achieving a victory for environmental ethics? If we dare unpack the layers of a radical proposal to unveil a realistic roadmap for such revolutionary change, we may be able to manifest it. Change always begins with a thought, with art.

The printed book, a hallmark of human knowledge and storytelling, has endured for centuries. However, in this era of digital transformation and growing social consciousness, it’s time to question our continued reliance on traditional book infrastructure. Could a shift away from a print-centric world — repurposing libraries, bookstores, and related facilities — offer the space and resources needed to tackle pressing issues of homelessness, social inequality, and environmental sustainability?

Imagine transforming these bastions of wisdom into hubs of community support and environmental stewardship. We’re not merely preserving information; we’re reimagining its vessel to nurture the roots of our society and heal our planet.

Traditional books and libraries, while repositories of knowledge, also serve as repositories of a carbon footprint and ethical controversy. With every printed page unfolds a chapter in deforestation’s somber tale, a flicker of the pulse of child labor, and the hidden tremors of environmental repercussions. Paper production is the third-largest industrial emitter of global warming gasses.

Consider the forests that are felled in the name of spreading knowledge — where the irony of learning from nature’s demise is too poignant to ignore. The environmental concerns are stark, with illegal logging practices stripping our planet of its lungs, and making way for books that are seldom cherished as the trees they once were. It’s a cycle fueled by consumption without contemplation, where the demand for paper contributes to a grim narrative of deforestation and biodiversity loss.

But the narrative darkens further when we unveil the human cost — where the ink blots are tinged with the sweat and tears of child labor and modern slavery. In regions far removed from the prying eyes of global watchdogs, children are often the hidden hands that feed the machinery of this industry. Their young lives highlight the price of traditional print practices.

In championing the shift from print to digital, we’re not just advocating for a reduction in paper use or the conservation of forests; we’re calling for a reformation in how we value human dignity and protect the most vulnerable among us.

The weight of terabytes pales in comparison to tons of discarded and pulped books. Knowledge could be stored in compact servers without a single leaf falling in the literal sense. But as we muse on this potential, one question resounds with both urgency and empathy: if digital displaces the physical, could we capture the vastness of space and the depth of opportunity, and turn it into something tangible and transformational for those in the shadows of urban prosperity?

Libraries stand as monumental structures in cities and towns worldwide. With their central locations, libraries could become hubs of education and living, providing shelter and solace for the homeless and asylum-seekers. While libraries hold cultural value, the reality is that vast square footage is dedicated to the storage and display of print books that see increasingly diminishing use. Public and university libraries could become a transformative resource.

Smaller libraries, particularly in urban areas, have the potential to be reimagined as micro-housing units. These efficiently designed units could provide safe, sustainable housing to a significant homeless population. Larger libraries can be refocused as community centers dedicated to homeless support — offering job training, mental health services, childcare, and pathways into longer-term housing. A portion of repurposed library space could be dedicated to expanding overcrowded animal shelters. Improving facilities would allow for better care, greater adoption rates, and increased capacity for animal rehabilitation programs.

This opportunity extends beyond libraries. Retail bookstores, particularly those struggling against the rise of online platforms, along with vast book distribution and storage warehouses, all possess conversion potential.

The notion of repurposing libraries and other book infrastructure challenges our cultural perception of these spaces. However, clinging to an outdated model in a world of evolving needs comes at a cost. This strategy is not about the elimination of the book but rather about a reimagining of our built environment to enact lasting positive change. Homeless individuals sleeping on the streets while libraries house underutilized tomes is a social injustice crying out for reform.

This path forward is not just about repurposing physical spaces but rekindling the flame of community engagement and participation in a world that often feels impersonal and fragmented. Our mission should be to create spaces that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially nurturing, creating a legacy of inclusivity, education, and empowerment. This is our charge, our challenge, and our opportunity to redefine community interaction and support in the digital age.

Moving toward this transformative vision requires bold thinking, collaboration, and a recognition that societal progress sometimes demands us to leave familiar paths behind. The investment in repurposing extends beyond dollars and cents; it’s an investment in compassion, justice, and the kind of future where physical spaces reflect our deepest-held values. It is to create a world with fewer empty shelves and far fewer empty lives. Should we dare to dream, we may come to understand that our society’s narrative is not fixed but is a vibrant, evolving story, waiting to be shaped by our resolute actions.

Read more about repurposing library spaces and other social issues in Ali Horriyat’s new release The Spiritual Society .

The post From Pages to Progress appeared first on Compassiviste.