Metaphorical bridge-building for promoting understanding and peaceful coexistence

Abstract

After briefl y sketching the tumultuous nature of life in modern societies, the author calls on the reader to imagine for him- or herself the construction of a metaphorical traffi c intersection that would enable those who make use of it to ‘fl y over’ all the mayhem and disturbances. The proposed ‘fl yover’ consists of three sub-structures or ‘bridges’, namely social capital, spirituality and education. A discussion of each of these sub-structures is followed by a discussion of the combination of all three in a virtual fl yover that could contribute to a world characterised by greater understanding, respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.