Despite all our information, the wisdom to make the world a better place is still lacking

The key for us all is to set aside differences, to focus with real empathy for each other, says Keith Howell

It is a curious thing that while more than ever before we appear to have almost limitless information literally at our fingertips, converting this into better lives for all is as difficult as ever.

It seems despite all that accessible knowledge, wisdom continues to be in short supply.

The lessons of past conflicts, for example, demonstrate the folly of resorting to violence in resolving our differences, but it is difficult to view the world today as a much safer place than in the past.

Some of the foremost leaders in the world are renowned not for compassion and wisdom but for their egos and brinkmanship, leading to fears that differences between them could trigger a conflagration. Equally, the world suffers from those who remorselessly exploit the vulnerable as they impose power through terror under a cloak of false religious justification.

Quite apart from the threat of wars, there is also what should by now after thousands of years of experience be a reasonably straightforward thing – namely living happily and sustainably together in communities, nations and groups of nations.

Yet for all our understanding and resources, those leading us often struggle to have the impact they would like. Well-meaning presidents and prime ministers alike come and go, and as they depart wonder whether they have achieved any lasting good.

Equally, well-intended international organisations formed to promote peace and cooperation between nations find themselves lacking proper influence and rele-