Attitudes towards other peoples and other species are molded during childhood and difficult to change population-wide thereafter. A successful model for imparting values, via a daily oath in our schools, is the Pledge of Allegiance.

The unifying effect of this pledge is easily appreciated. However, the flip side of a strong sense of national (or religious) cohesiveness is often the conviction that other peoples are less important or worthy. To say nothing of other species.

A more inclusive sense of belonging needs to be fostered. By widening the group to which we feel connected, we narrow the group we feel justified in exploiting. Eventually the extent of the former eliminates the latter.

Beyond patriotism, we can expand the loyalty we aspire to instill. It is time for a new, more visionary, and all-encompassing "world pledge". A Recognition of Unity:

In the stark middle of the night
I’m outside standing naked

on the front deck of my house,
shivering. Hands move over arms

and chest, and I look deep into a dazzling
stellar field. Goosebumps by the thousands

seem each connected to one of the stars,
and the chill becomes pleasure as my body is drawn

out to the universe. There’s terror as I lose control
and know I will never stop expanding.

The feeling passes as I begin to participate
in millions of living systems, vital

planetary histories, each more grand than any
on Earth. My eyes descend to my toes

and I sense how pathetic to ever feel limited,
lonely or lost, when we may be so