I know. Barack Obama inspired you yesterday. And yet you’re frustrated. You too long to be a “citizen of the world.” But you feel stymied. You’re asking yourself, “How do I go about such a thing?” Well, I’m here to help. If you click here, you will be directed to a website that will allow you to register as a “World Citizen.” But don’t do so lightly, for the responsibilities that weigh on a World Citizen are consequential. According to the website:
A World Citizen is a human being who lives intellectually, morally and physically in the present. A World Citizen accepts the dynamic fact that the planetary human community is interdependent and whole, that humankind is essentially one. A World Citizen is a peaceful and peacemaking individual, both in daily life and contacts with others. As a global person, a World Citizen relates directly to humankind and to all fellow humans spontaneously, generously and openly. Mutual trust is basic to his/her lifestyle. Politically, a World Citizen accepts a sanctioning institution of representative government, expressing the general and individual sovereign will in order to establish and maintain a system of just and equitable world law with appropriate legislative, judiciary and enforcement bodies. A World Citizen brings about better understanding and protection of different cultures, ethnic groups and language communities by promoting the use of a neutral international language, such as Esperanto. A World Citizen makes this world a better place to live in harmoniously by studying and respecting the viewpoints of fellow citizens from anywhere in the world.
To each his own, but to me quite frankly it all sounds like too much work. Living “intellectually, morally and physically in the present?” Blech! Especially to the last part. If I get the opportunity to time travel, I would feel pretty stupid if my World Citizen status prevented me from doing so. And don’t even get me started on promoting Esperanto. Oh, by the way – sadly enough, this isn’t a joke. And bring your credit card. Becoming a World Citizen will set you back 65 smackers. And that amount doesn’t include any expenses you’ll incur promoting Esperanto.
