Beyond Scarcity: Embracing Happytalism for a World of Abundance
Introduction: From Scarcity to Abundance in Global Goals Picture Painting
On International Day of Non-Violence – observed annually on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday – the world comes together to celebrate and recommit to the principle of non-violent living. In a time when conflicts rage in various corners of the globe and many communities suffer from hatred and fear, the call of non-violence is more urgent than ever. Non-violence is not merely the absence of war or physical conflict; it is a holistic principle that guides how we treat one another at every level of society. As Gandhi famously taught, “peace is not only absence of violence, it is the presence of justice”. This means true peace requires proactive compassion, fairness, and respect for the dignity of all. Today, we recognize that building a non-violent world is both necessary and possible, and indeed it is the very foundation for humanity’s happiness and flourishing. The World Happiness Foundation, in alignment with the United Nations’ ethos for this day, affirms that non-violence is the only sustainable path toward global peace and shared well-being.
To embrace non-violence, we must first acknowledge the many forms of violence that pervade our world. Violence manifests in at least “30 levels” or forms across personal, societal, and global dimensions. There is the blatant violence of war, armed conflict, and terrorism that grabs headlines, but also the quieter yet pervasive violence of daily life – domestic abuse in homes, bullying in schools, crime in communities, and hate speech and discrimination that wound the spirit. Beyond direct physical harm, there are psychological and emotional forms of violence – trauma, intimidation, coercion – which leave unseen scars. We also face structural violence: entrenched systems of poverty, inequality, and oppression that deny people their basic needs and rights. When a child goes hungry in a world of plenty or a group is marginalized due to race, gender, or belief, that is a form of violence by society’s structure. Even our relationship with nature has been marked by violence – the destruction of ecosystems and harm to other species can be seen as violence against our planet and future generations. In short, violence exists not only as bombs and bullets, but as anything that inflicts harm, domination, or injustice.
Recognizing these many faces of violence is the first step toward change. It compels us to expand our understanding of non-violence to address all these levels. Non-violence must be practiced “in all its forms – be it physical, psychological, or structural”, as a recent World Happiness Foundation call to action emphasizes. This comprehensive view means we must not only resolve immediate conflicts peacefully, but also dismantle the systemic injustices that often lead to violence. Every form of violence, from a hurting word to an oppressive policy, ultimately springs from the same root: a mindset of separation, fear, and indifference to others’ suffering. Thus, our response must be holistic. We need to **replace the culture of violence with a culture of peace at every level, so that non-violence becomes a way of life in homes, communities, and nations alike.
Moving toward a non-violent world is fundamentally about building peace – not a shallow peace defined only by the silence of guns, but a Fundamental Peace grounded in justice, freedom, and human dignity. The World Happiness Foundation defines Fundamental Peace as a state built on a triad of freedom, consciousness, and happiness. In other words, peace is more than the absence of conflict or fear; it is the presence of liberty, awareness, and joy. A society is truly peaceful when people are free to live without want or oppression, when they are conscious and empathetic toward one another, and when happiness and well-being are treated as core priorities. This vision echoes the wisdom of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., who reminded us that “true peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.” Justice and equality are non-negotiable components of a peaceful world. Where there is rampant injustice, discrimination, or indignity, violence finds fertile ground. Conversely, when we uphold human rights, ensure access and equity, and foster social justice, we remove the seeds of violence and conflict.
Fundamental Peace thus means aligning our inner values and outer systems with non-violence. It starts from inner peace – cultivating compassion, understanding, and forgiveness in our hearts – and extends to outer peace, where our laws and institutions promote fairness and healing over punishment and fear. Non-violence begins within: when individuals achieve inner tranquility and empathy, they are less likely to engage in or tolerate violence around them. This link between inner and outer peace is vital. As the World Happiness Foundation notes, without inner freedom and happiness, outer peace remains fragile. Therefore, mental and emotional well-being are not luxuries; they are prerequisites for a non-violent society. A peaceful mind does not easily resort to violence. Policies and education systems that nurture mental health, emotional resilience, and mutual respect are essentially peace-building measures. In sum, Fundamental Peace is both a personal journey and a collective mission – it is realized when inner well-being aligns with outer freedom and justice, creating an enduring harmony.
Achieving non-violence in all dimensions calls for a profound shift in the way we view development and progress. The World Happiness Foundation advocates for Happytalism, a new paradigm that replaces the traditional, scarcity-driven mindset with one of abundance, well-being, and shared prosperity. Our current world often frames social goals in terms of fighting negatives – ending poverty, combatting hunger, stopping violence. While these are crucial goals, they stem from a worldview fixated on what is lacking. This scarcity mindset can breed competition, fear, and even conflict, as groups scramble for limited resources or power. Happytalism, by contrast, asks us to envision a world defined not by what we are against, but by what we are for. It shifts focus from merely solving problems born of lack, to creating conditions for shared prosperity, happiness, and Fundamental Peace.
In a Happytalist world, the success of a nation or community isn’t measured by military might or GDP alone, but by the well-being and happiness of its people and the health of its environment. Human and planetary well-being become the true bottom line. This paradigm urges us to see that everyone’s happiness and security are interdependent. Rather than a zero-sum competition, life is a collaborative journey towards collective flourishing. Abundance replaces scarcity: we recognize there is enough compassion, creativity, and resources in humanity to ensure every person lives in dignity and peace. Embracing Happytalism means embracing non-violence at the systemic level. It means restructuring our economies and communities so that they do not produce desperation or extreme inequities that fuel violence. It promotes policies of inclusion, empathy, and sustainability – for example, focusing budgets on education, health, and welfare rather than weapons and prisons. Indeed, as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon observed, the world is “over-armed, and peace is underfunded”. Happytalism calls us to correct this imbalance by investing in what truly makes us secure: the happiness of people and the harmony of our collective life.
In practical terms, the Happytalist approach aligns with global movements like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but it seeks to go further by reimagining those goals in terms of positive aspirations. For example, instead of only striving for “no poverty” or “zero hunger,” a Happytalist lens envisions abundance and well-being for all. It is a mindset that champions human flourishing, freedom, and consciousness as guiding lights, rather than framing progress as an endless fight against misery. By cultivating this positive, abundance-oriented vision, we reduce the fear and competition that breed violence. When people see their fellow human beings not as rivals for scarce resources, but as partners in creating a better world, the foundation for lasting non-violence is laid. Happytalism is thus not an abstract ideal; it is a practical framework that encourages policies of peace, from diplomacy that favors dialogue over aggression, to economies that prioritize wellness and equality. It reminds us that **ending violence is not just about stopping something negative, but about building something positive in its place – a world where everyone can thrive.
While visions and paradigms set the direction, change happens through people. To realize non-violence in our lifetime, we must foster a global culture that actively rejects violence and embraces compassion. This begins with education and empowerment at every level of society. The World Happiness Foundation stresses that non-violent living is a skill set that can and should be learned – from non-violent communication (NVC) techniques to conflict resolution and mindfulness practices. When children are taught how to handle conflicts with words and empathy, when police and community leaders are trained in de-escalation and mediation, when diplomats and negotiators practice deep listening and emotional intelligence, the cycle of violence can be broken. We echo the call to launch worldwide education initiatives for non-violence – in schools, media, and religious institutions – to inculcate the values of peace, tolerance, and dialogue in the next generation. Imagine a “Decade of Non-Violence Education,” as some have proposed, where societies invest as much in teaching peace as they once did in preparing for war. The knowledge and tools to live non-violently – from the principles of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. to modern psychology of trauma healing – should be accessible to all.
One shining example of such empowerment is the World Happiness Foundation’s Conscious Catalysts of Happiness and Well-Being program. This transformative initiative envisions training 25 million “happiness catalysts” who will each ripple out positive change to hundreds of others, ultimately reaching 10 billion people – the entire human family – by 2050. At the heart of this program is the idea that happier people make a better, more peaceful world. Catalysts are educated in emotional intelligence, empathy, mindfulness, and compassionate leadership. They learn to “lead with well-being, empathy, and purpose,” treating happiness and peace as foundational skills, not afterthoughts. This kind of training instills the capacity for non-violence at the individual and community level. As participants have noted, it reframes leadership as an act of service and caring – “I used to think of happiness as a personal luxury, but now I see it as a public responsibility,” reflected one trainee. By nurturing inner transformation, the Catalysts program exemplifies how cultivating personal peace and empathy can lead to societal transformation.
Such efforts receive encouragement from global figures dedicated to peace. Notably, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has given his blessing to the 10 Billion Happy by 2050 movement, emphasizing that the oneness of humanity and promotion of friendship are keys to a compassionate world. In a message to the Foundation, the Dalai Lama affirmed the need to resolve problems “through dialogue and peaceful negotiation,” reinforcing that our common interests are best served by non-violent means. This high-level endorsement underlines a universal truth: whether at the scale of global diplomacy or a local neighborhood, peace grows through understanding and dialogue, never through coercion or revenge. The practice of forgiveness and restorative justice is likewise crucial in a culture of non-violence. When wrongs are addressed by healing and accountability rather than revenge, cycles of violence can be broken. Around the world, truth and reconciliation initiatives – from South Africa to Colombia – have shown that acknowledging harm and extending forgiveness where possible paves the way for lasting peace. We must ensure that communities have the support to heal trauma and offer former combatants or perpetrators paths to remorse and reintegration, so that today’s victims do not become tomorrow’s perpetrators.
In a culture of non-violence, empathy is a core value. We have to work intentionally to “change mindsets and skills at the individual and community level,” as a Foundation policy statement urges. This means media, arts, and public discourse should celebrate peacemakers and compassionate heroes, rather than glorifying aggression. It means our daily interactions – in person and online – should strive for respect, even in disagreement. The philosophy of Non-Violent Communication (NVC), developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, teaches us to speak from the heart, listen without judgment, and recognize the needs behind each other’s words. By adopting such practices in our families, workplaces, and governments, we address conflicts before they erupt into violence. Every individual can be a conscious catalyst by modeling patience over anger, dialogue over dominance, and forgiveness over hatred. Non-violence is not passivity; it is active love in the face of discord – the courage to respond to provocation with understanding, and to injustice with steadfast pursuit of change through peaceful means.
Building a non-violent world is a collective endeavor that transcends any single organization or nation. It requires a united global movement of people, institutions, and leaders committed to the principles of peace and happiness. The World Happiness Foundation recognizes this and has forged partnerships across the United Nations, academia, and civil society to advance the agenda of non-violence and well-being. In fact, the Foundation’s own growth into a global platform – including attaining consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – is aimed at bringing the voice of happiness and peace into high-level international forums. By stewarding UN resolutions like Happiness: A Holistic Approach to Development and the establishment of the International Day of Happiness, the Foundation works to ensure that the pursuit of happiness (and by extension, the reduction of suffering and violence) is recognized as a core objective of governments and the UN system.
Several flagship programs exemplify how Happytalist principles are being put into action globally. The Gross Global Happiness Summit, co-hosted with the United Nations-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, convenes leaders, educators, and change-makers to explore how measuring Gross Global Happiness can complement or even replace traditional metrics like GDP in guiding national policies. By focusing on happiness and peace indicators, policymakers can better address the root causes of violence – such as despair, inequality, and disenfranchisement – and track progress in healing them. Similarly, the Global Well-Being and Impact Leadership Certification (GWILC), launched in partnership with the UPEACE Centre, equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to infuse emotional well-being and peace-building into projects and organizations around the world. These programs highlight a critical insight: peace and non-violence must be built into the very DNA of our development models and leadership training. When diplomats, CEOs, mayors, and educators are all schooled in the values of empathy, sustainability, and human dignity, they carry those values into their decisions and policies.
On the diplomatic front, there is a growing call to redefine diplomacy around non-violence and emotional well-being. Traditional statecraft has too often been dominated by power struggles and militarized thinking. A new vision – one that the Foundation and forward-looking leaders champion – is for a diplomacy that measures success not by the balance of power but by the balance of emotional well-being and justice in the world. This entails diplomats and international institutions taking on the “profound responsibility to work tirelessly towards the abolition of violence in all its forms”, addressing not only active conflicts but also the injustices that lead to them. It means championing Fundamental Peace as a guiding objective of international policy – recognizing that peace is achieved when we have justice, equality, and well-being firmly in place. We echo the universal renunciation of violence as a means of conflict resolution: around the world, violence must no longer be seen as an acceptable or inevitable tool to settle disputes. Whether between nations or within communities, the default approach should be dialogue, mediation, and if needed, restorative justice – never violence.
Concrete steps are being proposed and, in some cases, enacted. The World Happiness Foundation, in its response to a global “Call for Peace,” has advocated for an International Declaration of Non-Violence – a pledge by all nations to forsake violence in resolving conflicts. Such a declaration at the UN level would serve as a moral beacon, reinforcing the norm that war and violent repression have no place in the 21st century. Alongside this, the Foundation urges stronger support for disarmament and demilitarization, noting that humanity spends trillions on weapons that would be far better invested in education, healthcare, and sustainable development. The example of countries like Costa Rica, which abolished its army to invest in social well-being, shows that redirecting resources from violence to welfare yields enormous dividends in peace and happiness. We advocate for all governments to “stop spending billions on weapons instead of people” – a shift that would dramatically accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and a more peaceful world.
International days are also opportunities for accountability. It has been suggested that every year on the International Day of Non-Violence (October 2nd), leaders should report on concrete steps they have taken to reduce violence – such as decreases in armed incidents, curbing police brutality, or combating hate crimes. Civil society and religious communities, too, can unite on this day to publicly reject violence in all forms, sending a strong message that humanity will no longer tolerate the old cycle of “violence begets violence”. In the words of the joint UN statement the Foundation supported, “humanity can rise above atavistic violence” and choose dialogue and diplomacy as the only routes to lasting peace. This vision is not naive – it is practical and urgent. It recognizes that in a world of nuclear weapons, climate crises, and deep interdependence, non-violence is no longer just a moral principle, but a survival imperative.
Let us imagine a future historian looking back at our time. Will they write that early 21st-century humanity finally turned the tide from a culture of violence to a culture of peace? That we recognized our shared vulnerability and chose solidarity over conflict? We believe the answer can be yes. But this will only happen if each of us, in our spheres of influence, becomes an ambassador of non-violence. Leaders must lead by example – renouncing hateful rhetoric and coercion, and embracing policies of compassion and fairness. Communities must build what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the “beloved community,” wherein differences are resolved through understanding and where everyone’s rights are upheld, no exceptions. And individuals, in our daily lives, must practice the small acts of non-violence: listening to those we disagree with, showing kindness to those who are different, speaking out against injustice but without hatred.
Non-violence is both visionary and intensely practical. It is visionary in that it dares to imagine a world where the thought of war is as unthinkable as the thought of slavery is today – a world where children grow up learning the heroes of peace over the heroes of war, where nations see each other as partners in prosperity, not threats. It is inspirational in drawing from humanity’s highest ideals: the courage of Gandhi and Mandela, the compassion of Mother Teresa, the resolve of countless activists who risked their lives not to kill, but to save others. And yet, non-violence is also practical. It works. Studies and historical examples show that non-violent movements often achieve more sustainable and democratic outcomes than violent ones. Communities built on trust and inclusion are more resilient and prosperous than those ruled by fear. At the personal level, choosing non-violence – choosing patience over anger, empathy over judgment – leads to better relationships and a more meaningful life.
The World Happiness Foundation stands with all who strive for Fundamental Peace, for a world where freedom, consciousness, and happiness are realities for all. We champion the idea that happiness is a human right and a “public responsibility,” and that promoting well-being is a powerful pathway to reducing violence. Our call today is to every global citizen: be a conscious catalyst of peace in your own context. Let non-violence guide the way you raise your children, the way you handle conflict at work, the way you treat strangers. Let us foster economic and social systems that, at their core, value the general happiness of humankind – systems where policies are driven by compassion and justice, as this will conduce to “the general happiness of mankind”. By making non-violence our norm and happiness our goal, we will build a world that future generations will thank us for – a world where humanity finally lives up to its promise of friendship, cooperation, and love.
As we honor non-violence, let us remember: Peace begins in the minds and hearts of each of us, and from there, it can spread to the very structures of society. A non-violent world is not a distant dream; it is an ongoing project – one we undertake with humility and hope, knowing that every act of understanding over anger is a brick in the foundation of global peace. On this International Day of Non-Violence, we commit ourselves to that project. We invite all nations and peoples to join in this commitment. Let us aspire and act, so that one day soon, humanity may look around and see not the shadows of violence, but the light of a new era of Fundamental Peace and global happiness. In that world of non-violence, every person can live free from fear and full of joy – and there is no greater legacy we could leave behind.
Together, let us make non-violence the beating heart of our global community, today and every day forward.
Each of these sources provides a piece of the intellectual and factual backbone for the International Day of Non-Violence statement. They range from official UN resolutions and declarations (establishing the day and promoting a culture of peace), to insights from global peace leaders (like Gandhi’s and King’s teachings on non-violence), to World Happiness Foundation frameworks (Happytalism and Fundamental Peace concepts), as well as scholarly research and reports that empirically link non-violence, peace, and human happiness.
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Introduction: From Scarcity to Abundance in Global Goals Picture Painting
Picture Painting by Katarina Baliova We’ve spent centuries celebrating independence—of
A Comprehensive New Path to Inner Peace and Awakening Order