Creating The World We Envision Together

I read the other day that it is a harmless, but childish infatuation to believe that the nature of the world must be becoming more loving, more accepting and that we are becoming more aware of our shared humanity. That may or may not be true, however, I  personally think it doesn't matter. There is no choice but to act as if the world that you want to live in is possible at the time you are living, and to hold onto that hope. I think that no matter how much time passes there will always be great pain, but also things to be very hopeful about. That, as a culture we might reconnect with our past and find ourselves more satisfied and happier, is a hopeful idea, and in the midst of technology and politics, and whatever else, may seem outlandish. But there are many many people who have, despite the challenges, chosen to live out the life they believe to be right for them- one of simplicity, connection, and interdependence.
Everyone, most likely, has their own areas that are challenging, but I think one of the greatest challenges we face, together, is to depend on each other for the things that we need. We may be able to depend on ourselves, to a great extent, but if you want to devote some time each day to art, or music, reading, recreating or anything that is not directly related to basic survival, you need other people. The actual need of them is the strength of communities. Grocery stores, wal-mart, or what have you is always available to replace dependence on your neighbors, but, how much is that relationship worth? And what else is sold?
The vision of vibrant communities does ask for individuals to  depend on others in meaningful ways, not just for company or entertainment, but for basic survival, for food, or for firewood for the winter, or to keep the elders taken care of to the extent you are capable, to show respect to eachother, or to feed another when they hunger, whether their hunger be for food or for kindness, or music or art.  Each person, needing less and less money, and needing eachother more and more is a world that to us is unknown, but seems to be something worth creating.

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But let there be space in your togetherness
And let the winds of heaven blow between you-
Sing and dance together and be joyous
But let each of you stand alone
Even as the strings of the lute are alone
Thought they quiver with the same music.

Kahlil Gibran