Why is there still poverty on the planet?

The lovely Katherine emailed me this as part of a wonderful list of questions, which I'm honored to share here.

Why, do you think, is there still poverty on the planet? What prevents us from sharing more equally?

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

One of the reasons is because we buy goods from them at rock bottom prices, in order to satisfy our need for luxuries. We also take their precius water if we holiday in certain areas, or buy food produced in certain areas, leaving them with scant supply of water for themselves.  We should manage with less so they can have more, and help them financially with education and sustainable development, so they can support themselves and not be beholden to us

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I think there is still poverty because of 2 reasons. One is that we will never all be equal and some people will will always have less than others and if there are 6 billion people in the world that is a statistical fact. If those people are not rich, but getting by ok then that might be acceptable. Poverty will always be relative. The other reason is greed and some people will set out to exploit others and keep them at a level of poverty. In some ways people in the developed world are complicit in keeping others in poverty although really we have little control over it on a global scale. World wide socialism dividing the assets out equally would probably not work and there would be conflict between the winners and losers. Better education and emancipation for all would eventually balance out the world, removing poverty, injustice and prejudice. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I really like this comment.  Exactly what I was thinking. 

And when you say poverty will always be relative, that is so true.  Looking back now to when I was young, I never thought we were poor.  I admit we weren't the poorest in our town, but compared to where I am now, we did not have anything.  However, I never thought of us as being poor.  Could it be because I was a child and never think those things?  My daughter sometimes makes a comment about how sad it is to see poor people, and it is.  However, whenever I see a child, I don't think that the children are as sad because they really don't think of them as having none….not until you actually tell them and show them other things that are out there.  So now, the saying “ignorance is bliss” comes true in these cases.  When we start to “educate” and make people aware of “what they don't have”, that's when poverty exists.  If people are satisfied/content with what they have, then they themselves may not consider themselves poor no matter how much the outside world looks at them.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

This is something that I was talking with to my child today. Why is there still poverty, why are children in hunger, such heart-breaking stories of those who are in want.

I know that poverty is itself a very complicated phenomenon–it isn't even easy to define. When we talk about someone earning xxx$ vs x$ we've to take into account the prices, standard of living and so on in that place.

So if I only look at hunger; or why anyone on this planet is in want; then I feel it's because of the fear that everyone lives with - sometimes, the rich even more than the poor - of loss. Poverty itself is so fearful to those who are not there that there is hoarding; excessive running after it; not accepting that everyone has the right and possibility of having 'enough'  ; lack of compassion for those who just can't make more than they have even when they want to.

I think we need to realize that to share what we have isn't going to make anyone poorer. For instance, I can't understand why we don't want to pay taxes when we live in countries where we can see the tax dollars being spent. When the rich gain money on the backs of the poor [Indian farmers and Monsanto]. When even the charity of the rich results in  the sacrifice of the poor [giving substandard food, for instance].

And if you don't mind my continuing on the soapbox, what about all that money we - including the poor - want to give to religious institutions or cosmetic surgeons rather than to each other?

In a sentence, there is still poverty on the planet because we've still not got it through our skulls that we are all inter-connected.
[OK, Ill get off now–is that wads of $ you're throwing my way, or chemically grown tomatoes?!!]

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I truly agree with your post
Especially the sharing part; so many refuse to see how thats important. Instead of throwing away old clothes we can give it away to those in need and try to recycle rather than have more than what we need in the first place. 
If we all just learnt to “make-do” with less we'd all be better off.


However something I didn't quit follow is when you said “what about all the money we including the poor- want to give to religious institutions or cosmetic surgeons rather than to each other” 
The religious institutions part is what caught my attention; I don't know how the ones around you work; but in my religion, Islam, we make sure the poor and people in need are somewhat taken care of. Our religious institutions ensure the poor and needy are taken care of by giving out a specific percentage of all money collected for a year, we learn to share and it greatly reduces our greed because that way you're not encouraged to be possessive over what you own, you're encouraged to seriously analyze how you spend it. 


More and more people are in need every day, especially nowadays, its increasing a little to much a little too fast all thanks to the recession. If we all cooperated more I think the way many religious institutions in my country do, we'd all be better off. Its so not much about the religion here I'm just suggesting one way I've seen them help out. 

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

WHERE  G  R  E  E  D  EXISTS THERE WILL BE POVERTY…ELIMINATE  G  R  E  E  D  FROM SOCIETY AND THERE WILL BE POVERTY NO MORE…SIMPLE…WE LEARN FROM HISTORY, THAT WE HAVE LEARNT NOTHING FROM HISTORY..

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

In some regions it is because of the environment not providing the means
to grow crops-
in Western Society -yes, I agree -GREED …

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Ah - but whose greed? Who are they? Us?  Me? Is it the will that we need?
If each western person living in relative comfort could manage with less, forgo a holiday or some other luxury, and sponsor a child in poverty to feed and educate then it would go a long way towards solving the problem. The technology is there, we can green the desert now - all we need is the will, to get off our backsides and do it. Forgo a little luxury and sponsor a child it doesn't cost the earth. Words are empty without action, love is a verb.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Greed usually comes from those that can afford to give the most.
Most of us from humble or modest means, are only too willing to
share a meal, offer something to someone who is needy.
But seems the richer they are, the more greedy people become.
It is the very rich who could quite easily sponsor at least one other person,
it is the conglomerates who would rather pay tax to make deals than use
the avenue of giving/donating tax free.
And it is about the dreadful, shocking waste in our society.
So we all need to care and share and give what we can….

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Its easy to see that greed is the problem
But how really are we trying to solve that?


I think we're a little too unaware of things in our society encourage greed and how to succeed on others count, the philosophy of “finder's keepers”. 


Personally I think we'd be amazed if we'd just taken a closer look at some examples. 
Like the lottery, is it really a “reward” so much as legally taking other people's money? I personally don't think it is; you don't gain an experience when you lose the lottery thats for sure. So many hopes built up yet theres only a few winners who really don't gain much either just money; no skills no nothing. Just the belief of pure “luck”. How can that take us far?


The problem is when we look out for “one” we forget about all the rest. What benefits a little in this case breaks the hopes of many. How can we just overlook those things and yet scrutinize poverty?

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Where does one start?  Firstly if one believes in karma then poverty is probably an essential part of being able to repay dues owed to excessive greed in a former life.  If one does not believe in karma then it is still a necessity in order for some to be 'rich', others must be 'poor ' because everything is only known through its opposite (how would one know good if there was no bad?).

I think essentially that the reason lies in our forgetting of our connectedness that is mentioned in another thread.  With the exception of a few, most people to a very large degree are looking out for number 1.  This seems to be a part of our evolutionary path and not something to be looked down on.

However I personally like to believe that a new era is coming in with questions such as these being asked, that will lead us all to look within ourselves and march forward to greater unity and therefore elimination of poverty and the like.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Poverty, Homeless. Why?  3 Big Words for todays society to hold onto to.  Especially when we never heard of Family, Friends being Homeless.  Poverty is here because people do not except it.  Anyone of us could become homeless.  Until the People of the World start acting and realizing that poverty is here in America.  We are at a point in our Universe, that we must start taking care of America.  Until we start doing that poverty will be in America.  We cannot and no longer help other countries.  Are they helping us? Each day over 600 families loss there homes, in America we have to start acting and getting together with local government and City Officials and help the War on Poverty.  Do something, volunteer for a Homeless Shelter once a week.  Feed People.
Until we start helping the people around us we will not find a “cure” for poverty.
nancy/LavenderCrystals.com

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

And who's to say that the millionaire does not consider himself/herself poor?  As long as we're still not satisfied with what we have, we are still poor. 

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Like everything else, poverty is a result of many factors. While greed might be the underlying human factor which is likely to exist in any society, where some individual seems to always asking for more and wanting for more; I alwyas believe more could be done to eradicate poverty if we could have good governance. Many countries are actually poor not because they do not have the resources but because of an extremely poor governance which results in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. This is the reason I always feel if you would like to see a better world; you should be a leader because ultimately what we need are good leaders who will strive for good governance ensuring the people's welfare is always in their best interest.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Nothing can eradicate totally the problem of poverty-law of karma has to operate-you will recieve what you gave to others-good or bad-even Jesus said-the poor will be always among you-gfr.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I'm blown away by the answers to this question.  Gaia people have given poverty much thought.  (Though I expected nothing less.)
:)
There's a politician in my province who, at the turn of the century, (lol - that sounds funny) made it “fashionable” to hate poor people.  He was a Conservative leader who cut all social funding and programs drastically, made the term “welfare scum” a household phrase and set up a “snitch line” for people to call if they wanted to get poor people in trouble.  It was aweful.  In over ten years the hatred people feel they have a right to hang on to, in regard to the disadvantaged, is still strong. Homeless people are sometimes spit on, kicked, sworn at and occasionally beaten to death.
Some say, “Why don't those deadbeat bums get off the street and get a job? Then they'd be earning their living and not be poor anymore!”  But just as their are ignorant people who don't try to understand that poverty is more complicated than simply “not having enough disposable income” … there are also “mental-health denyers” who don't understand why anyone living on the streets with schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder doesn't just “snap out of it!”
These are the negative thoughts that must be modified before change can be begun.
If the idea of helping the poor and less advantaged in our own neighbourhoods became “fashionable,” like recycling, being green and “no more littering!” is, I believe it would be the start of the end to world poverty. It might take a generation … but if we started now … gee, that's only about 50+ years from now! We ARE our brothers keepers.  If not us, then who?
.The image is a sketch I did a year ago called “AC, skylight, trendy neighbourhood.”

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Katherine: That's a sketch of yours? You're amazingly talented.

I just wanted to leap in to post an article, or a link to one, about a Brazilian City that ended hunger. It's written by the author Francis Moore Lappe, and begins:

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Why poverty? Humilite is not understood by all, as of yet.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I believe there is still poverty on the planet because humanity as a whole has not yet learned that we are all connected and wide-ranging consequences come from our individual pursuits.  We have not developed the perfect system of governing or community in which a modicum of equality is the norm.  In the US, profit trumps humanitarian efforts when it comes to basic human needs and planetary sustainability.  We are at a tipping point and decisions we make today are crucial to the future.  We each must do our part to educate ourselves and lighten our own load as well as help bear the burden for those who are unable. 

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Because people still believe in it. Simple.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I believe there is poverty because there is greed. The more someone wants power or material possessions there will be others that suffer. If you get rid of greed you get rid of poverty. quite simple really

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God has brought us suffering so that there is always one to seek him, until we can all find him equally and beautifully, not until that day will the suffering end. with so many people, its a collosal mission to cure all suffering. there is a law in the attraction and it begins with gratification. until we are all equally grateful we will be unable to give and release the poverty within our hearts thus realeasing the evil clutches of greed.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Seeing the messages in this thread, I am so inspired. I can see that there is no poverty of vision on Gaia.

Just in the last few posts:

MarciaElston I believe there is still poverty on the planet because humanity as a whole has not yet learned that we are all connected and wide-ranging consequences come from our individual pursuits.

artisanprincess : I believe there is poverty because there is greed.

BanKsiaQueen until we are all equally grateful we will be unable to give and release the poverty within our hearts thus realeasing the evil clutches of greed.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Which reminds me to hop over to   The Gratitude Chain!

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

I agree with artisianprincess it is greed. I know personally how hurtful and sad it is to have your artwork copied and intellectual rights infringed upon/stolen. For what?
Money……no it is greed. Because of this experience I feel very sorry for people who have things like this done to them.
I think the reason is because there are people driving around in 100,000.00 cars
live in castles that are so excessive they cant even find the kitchen. Etc and so on.

I had always felt that had there never been a “socialized acceptance of greed and excess” and people were all able to pursue their dreams and guaranteed an income AND we all made the same amount of money. There would be an entire change across the globe, not only in attitude but in quality of life. If every man/woman and child was given the opportunities to do their hearts calling and have an income guaranteed, where there was no richer or poorer, just really happy and doing what they love. What would there possibly be to argue about?
Because we live in a world of excess our planet is suffering greatly and as our natural resources dwindle away, when there are no more butterflies, bee's or hummingbirds, then is when we will all cry what did we do? Because all the money in this world cant bring back what is no longer able to survive. Our heritage and the childrens heritage is this planet and teach children the wonder about her would instill love in their hearts. When You love something you want to protect it!
The human race has problems that a simple solution can save us all, but the work involved would be too tremendous an undertaking and the rich would have to agree. Anybody see the happening?
Still in my eyes, heart and soul I see this as the only true way to solve the ever growing problem of poverty. When people are happy they usually don't want to throw that away and are more conscientious about being responsible enough to keep it…..

I too see my own suffering and I realized that I was never a greedy human being, I never took more then I gave and I never wanted more then my own financial security doing something I really love and a field of possibilities for my joy in nature…my garden of magic and wonder for my dear sweet pollinators and fellow birds and mammals:) Co-exist, live simply, do what I love and love life.



I am saving this post….I always wanted to say this and I am glad I did…
Much love to all of you. Hope it made sense.
Liza

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Your post is to this reply really speaks my mind for me in many aspects. People do so much just for money; what happened to doing what you love rather than what brings you the most income? So many people go to med school and become lawyers nowadays; yet what's really on their minds? Saving people's lives? Being passionate about helping others in any means possible? Or that income. We're willing to put up with long hours, lack of sleep and all the struggles that come with getting what we want. And on that journey we tend to forget everyone else. 

The part of a 100,000 cars truly spoke to me. Its so true I've seen it happen so many times… Especially those of royal families and people of high standards that can actually make a difference, donate significantly, why dont they sit around and talk about this instead of us? Too distracted? Too power hungry? Too much pride in the way.. 
If only we could stop them and make them listen because there's so much to fix and only so little time to do so. 
Some families where I'm from (middle east), they're so spoiled they don't dont even know how many sport cars they own. Not that I'm envious, may God enable them to enjoy their luxuries to its fullest, but I think as wealthy parents you should do all you can to make sure your child doesnt expect materials as a right yet appreciate it for its value and not quantity and that where a lot of rich people are side-tracked. 

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

the sensation that we are in fact not equal. not matter if it is positive or negative, the sensation/feeling is there…

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Hi all!
I understand Mac. Hey none of us should feel sorry for feeling sorry! In this reality we are born into we need money to survive and that is the facts. If we want to help people we need to make money ourselves and it goes back to the fact that you cant take care of anyone's else needs until your own needs are fulfilled. I think people really need to understand this. Because it truly encompasses so much. We live in a society, but there is a path to healing and it is mapped out for each and everyone of us. Mutual support, loving, caring and respecting. Our planet is soooooo populated and she can not sustain us all, that truly is where a part of the concern must be directed, we encroach more and more, more and more inhabitants on this planet die. This is a concern. Because as each species becomes extinct we too come closer to our own. We have some major global issues today. Every time we try to fix something, something else breaks. Talk about a giant mirror. The windpower that is supposed to save our planet, just killed hundreds of bats that have a migration area through some of these fields and hunt bugs in these fields and more die everyday. Our pollinators are in big trouble from pesticides. It goes on and on.
Poverty does not just effect people it is effecting every living thing. I want to have that field of possibilities, leaden with nectar bearing flowers, all different types of wild berries and live harmonious with nature. Do my part of the solution for this planet and for my own healing here. I love Gaia, I want to see the beauty of all she has to show to me and someday pass on what I have learned. Maybe I am even doing it now. We each have our part, our path.
Helping impoverished people is positive, educating them so they too can make a difference and make educated decisions, become healers. If we truly look at the reason there are so many issues it is because of what we are all doing to Gaia. How can there be enough for everyone if there is nothing left?
I think poverty is a global issue and it is effecting the entire world. It has nothing to do with a specific “class” of people but it has everything to do with all of us now. Yes the wealthy can make a very huge difference in this world. I think as a people frowning upon greed is crucial to our survival at this time. We need to learn to value and to share, not only with each other, but with the inhabitants of Gaia.
When that happens this world will be a better, richer place and it can start here today.

Much Love to you all,
Liza

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Perhaps it is because people fear. They fear there will not be enough for them, so they hoard what they have to themselves. I am just as guilty as anyone, but I give to the needy whenever I can. If we could get back to our human roots and learn to grow our food more than most do it would not be too difficult, but most people are too lazy or consumed with other distractions in life to create an organic life force like food for themselves. I rant.. It is very sad though… I feel very privileged to have food in my belly every day.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

Greed, increased laziness as a generality in the human race, loss of insight(although it is coming back!), power-hungry and controlling people.

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I was just thinking about this this morning. People who are controlling and greedy are making an investment in fear instead of love. That is an investment that WILL PAY YOU BACK!!! So instead of building resentments, which is really not the truth of what we all want, why not build something better within yourselves?
Why lose the love of a person and replace it with fear and resentment?
Why not be free?
To try to control people is just an illusion, they may do what you want out of fear, but they'll never do it from love. False sense of power and your not truly getting the respect you want anyway. It's an empty place to be.
Ultimately you ask yourself is that what you truly want?
Love really works for me, it's the best space to grow in:)
Of all the investments we make throughout our lives to choose a healthy investment is the wisest of choices;)

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

To me the reasons are multiple or maybe are all the same: some people have not decided to embrace and work their shadow, are hypnotized/identified with their egoic mind and stuck into wantings, have no idea of prosperity consciousness and live in lack and fear, are disconnected with who they are and their values, are disconnected with their heart and love in its forms, do not love themselves, do not know what they are, some people are resisting it and so keeping it in place.

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As long as there is greed there will always be poverty .
The world is so caught up in money , i find myself at times driven so hard to have a high paying job after collage in fear without lots of money I will find myself unhappy. It's aweful.

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

One word:  CAPITALISM  

Re: Why is there still poverty on the planet?

As long as there is extreme poverty in the heart of rich people and politics,
there will still be poverty on the planet.
The poorest ones are not necessarily those who don't have cash in their pockets.