Public programmes

Healing: Autumn 2022

The vocation to public service often expresses itself in a desire to make the world a better place. To mend what is broken, heal what is hurt. That surely has to begin with realising the need to heal ourselves. It also requires taking a step back to reflect on what is wrong in the first place, not mistaking symptoms for causes.

As the challenges before us threaten to become overwhelming, are we growing the wisdom we need? Ecological collapse looms ever larger on our horizon. If not Covid-19 then some future virus promises to be too much to manage. The fractures and fissures in our own society seem too numerous and too deep to mend. Is technology a help or a hindrance? Meanwhile our modes of dialogue are becoming increasingly angry; toxic nationalism is on the rise; the boundaries between us seem to be hardening.

How should public servants respond?