The Modern Thinker: Timeless Ideas, Inspiration, and Hope for the 21St Century

By Alex Sangha

Alex is clearly a world citizen who disseminates on a wide variety of issues with amazing clarity. His refreshing views on a wide range of subjects are written with elegance and a light touch that does not cloud the issues.

Veeno Dewan, Editor, Voice Newspaper


Alex Sangha has an impressively broad range of knowledge on issues that affect the world, and challenges problems that most people have come to accept. Sangha doesnt just point out the troubles in this world, but thinks of bold solutions for them.

Jenny Uechi, Managing Editor, Vancouver Observer


If you could adopt a single step and make a small difference, what would it be?

What if you could cultivate multiple small steps that lead to a bigger, better, and brighter future?

In this one of a kind social discussion guide, Vancouver visionary Alex Sangha delivers straight-talk on socio-economic, environmental, political, and spiritual issues that anyone can put to use. His mission? Getting people to think for themselves. His tools? The hard hitting articles he pens which call it like he sees it.

This valuable volume is a collection of frank and insightful essays on the world in the 21st Century, through the eyes of a social activist immersed in it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781468508871

Alex Sangha

Alex Sangha is an award-winning social worker and human rights activist who lives and works in the Metro Vancouver area of BC. Sangha has advocated for marginalized people including those with mental illness, South Asian immigrants, and gays and lesbians. Sangha is always interested in meeting new people, developing new friendships and relationships, and learning new things. He believes anyone can help bring about social change and make a difference in someone's life; all it takes is effort. Sangha was born in England, raised in Canada, and is of Indian descent. It is therefore no surprise that he feels like a product of the British Empire. Sangha completed a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of British Columbia, a Master in Public Administration and Public Policy from the London School of Economics, as well as a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University. Sangha is currently the driving force behind the Dignity House project, which aims to provide affordable housing for vulnerable seniors in Vancouver.

Book preview

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I

CHAPTER II

CHAPTER III

CHAPTER IV

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

FINAL THOUGHTS

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

SUMMARY NOTES

CHAPTER RESOURCES

ENDNOTES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Disclaimer:

The Modern Thinker is largely an original document of the author’s views. The book is for information and feedback purposes only and is designed to facilitate peaceful social discussion on a wide variety of contemporary issues.

The author shall not have liability or responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from information contained in this book or from any activity, debate, discussion, or feedback the book may create.

For those who would like to respond by email and provide feedback on The Modern Thinker, it is understood and agreed that you are giving permission for your response to be included in a future follow-up publication by Alex Sangha. Minimal edits will be done, if needed.

Contact the author:

[e-mail]

http://alexsangha.com

To my mother, Jaspal Kaur Sangha,

for all her love and support throughout the years.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My Grandparents

Avtar and Surjit Takhar, Kharak and Surjit Sangha

My Father

Dalbir Singh Sangha

My Brothers

Eric, Himmat, Bob and family

My Maternal Cousins

Hardeep, Ruby, Rosy, Joe and their families

The Takhar family

My Paternal Cousins

Raj, Kiran, Meena, Sahil, Chandan, Herman and their families

My Editor

Ann Westlake

My Marketing Genius

Usha Sliva

My Inspiration

John and Liz Bannister

My Friends

Ash Harpal Brar, Josh Soronow, Ian Dyck, Jag Nagra, January Marie Lapuz,

Sandie Benevides, Russell Wesley, Jogender Antil, Trevor Loke, Kathy Beevor-potts,

Charn Deol, Stan Smith, Robert Hong, Mahi Kaur, and Melinda M. Jette.

Last But Not Least

Everyone who has supported me in my life.

INTRODUCTION

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How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

— Anne Frank

The world as we know it has undergone dramatic changes over the last couple of decades – widespread advances in the field of technology and communications, economic upheavals that have pushed certain countries into the limelight and have devastated others, and unfettered fanaticism, which has given religion a whole new meaning.

From it all rises new challenges. Students face an uncertain future, where the Internet, global warming, economic recession and a lack of spirituality all vie for their undivided attention. Families have to make daily decisions and sacrifices based on the current political and economic climate. Corporations, which once governed unquestioned, now have to answer to the common man. Religion has entered a new dimension thanks to organizations like Al Qaida. And sexuality, which was once boxed and defined, has now broken free of its shackles and demands its recognized place in society.

So many changes in so short a time! This is only the tip of the iceberg. No wonder we’ve seen such a dramatic spike in social chaos. Disruption in one part of the world will have consequences in another part. The growing disparity between the rich and poor has still to be addressed successfully. And conflicts and tensions, to which we might not contribute directly, but are nonetheless effected by, continue to exist.

While our governments continue to pour money into the military, defence, and fighting wars overseas, where are the resources to help the citizens understand and adjust to our rapidly changing world?

This book is a testament to where we are moving as a country and as a society. Our values, goals, and beliefs as a people will decide our future outcome. The Modern Thinker is a thought-provoking guide that encourages you to think about whom we really are, what our place in society is, and what kind of future we want for our families and our children.

The book has a discussion chapter with step-by-step instructions to help you write your own beliefs and values. Use it to think of what you can do to make a difference. To understand what our current times demand of our current being. You will be presented, at the end of the book, with an opportunity to present your opinions, ideas, and responses that could be included in further publications by Alex Sangha. Start taking notes and analysing your thoughts as you read. It is necessary to take a closer look at the changing world of the 21st century. We must all become The Modern Thinker to lead and inspire humanity to bring hope for a brighter and a more secure future.

CHAPTER I

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

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Occupy Wall Street

Is this the beginning of the end? Perhaps industrial capitalism is hitting the wall. The 99% that Occupy Wall Street¹ represents is demanding change and is gaining supporters from all walks of life.

In the past, the North American and European economies were dependent on a thriving automobile sector, decent wages, and population growth. Not to mention a need for consumers to keep on spending to keep the economy going.

What is happening now is literally the