The Roles of the Learned Societies in Improving Quality of Life in the context of Globalisation

This manuscript is an adapted text of an address to the Thai Royal Institution during the 'International Conference for the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King's 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary'. There are many problems facing the world in the context of increasing globalization. "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18), reminds us all that whatever race, religion, or culture we come from, the simple command to love ones neighbour as ourselves, is the bedrock of civilization. In response to this command, we have to ask ourselves two simple questions; how do we best express our love, and who do we consider to be our neighbour? If one loves oneself, then what is the single most important gift one would grant him/herself? Most would say the gift of good health. Therefore, if one loves others, then the gift one wants for them is also good health. These others, who one should love in an unconditional way, are one's parents, spouses, children, and grandchildren. But to whom does this duty or commandment to love extend? How wide is this circle of love? Is it the immediate family, the extended family, our village, our tribe, or our nation state?