Author: Anna Lännström (Stonehill College)

In Ethics for the New Millennium, the Dalai Lama argues that modern industrialized society tends to lead to excessive individualism and reduced dependence on others which in turn leads to isolation and neglect of our spiritual dimension, making us less happy despite our improved material situation.  He argues for a solution, a “spiritual revolution” which involves finding a way of caring for our inner dimension.  Crucial components of such care includes developing inner peace and a deeper compassion for other, and learning to focus less on ourselves.

Text:
Dalai Lama.  Ethics for the New Millennium (New York: Riverhead Books, 1999).

See also:
Dalai Lama on happiness: “Redefining the goal”