The internet [File photo]

A major theme in China and around the world this month is that of connections. In China, the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China brought together thousands of delegates from all walks of life and from all parts of China. One of its major accomplishments has been to "strengthen the ties that bind." It also reminds all Chinese citizens of the connections between the past, present and future of the Chinese Dream.

Connecting people across the globe, October 24 is United Nations Day. Formed in 1945, the United Nations, for all of its limitations and flaws, is one of the few international bodies committed to resolving conflicts, promoting security, health, education, sustainability and public good and providing a vehicle for communication among all countries.

Also contributing to this theme of connections is the fact that the 29th of October commemorates the beginnings of the Internet. The technology underlying the Internet now connects people all around the world and has given rise to new social relationships, for example "digital tribes" and digital leadership as discussed by many, including Seth Godin.

Unfortunately, while we are increasingly connected to the virtual world, this connection has sometimes come at the cost of becoming more disconnected from the real world. While the Internet has been a source for much good (e.g. promoting education, keeping families and friends in touch, promoting global trade), we are beginning to realize that there are also potential harms.

For example, rather than using the internet to expose ourselves to diverse views, too often, we use the Internet to communicate almost exclusively with those who hold similar beliefs. We thereby create an "echo chamber" of group thinking which helps to polarize people and deepen the gulf between people as we subscribe to stereotypes and eschew critical thinking.

The Internet, and now mobile devices too, fight for our limited and increasingly scarce attention span thus distracting us and leaving insufficient time for quiet and deep reflection.

The fourth Saturday of October is also "Make a Difference Day" -- a celebration that commenced in 1992 and is sponsored by USA Weekend magazine. On a personal level, for most, our greatest and most lasting wealth is not found in the things we collect, but in the connections we make. In many cases, these connections are invisible, but that does not mean they are non-existent or weak.

As Friedrich Nietzche, reminds us, "Invisible threads are the strongest ties." If we want the world to be more connected and seek to make a positive difference in the world, then the place to start is by changing ourselves. The message behind this day is one articulated long ago by author Merman Melville who admonished us:

"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects."

By connecting with one another, we also connect our world with the wider universe. As stated by philosopher Albert Schweitzer: "Man can no longer live for himself alone. We must realize that all life is valuable and that we are united to all life. From this knowledge comes our spiritual relationship with the universe."

Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/eugeneclark.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.