Us and the World

Due to the demands of our daily living, most often we forget the small things that are important. Everyday we try to strike a balance between our jobs and our families, our careers and our personal life. Progress has made us heavily depend on modern technology and forget the simple things that truly make the difference.

Although we may not know it, there is actually something as important as our family and friends that needs attention.

The world is one of the most often ignored entities today. Although it may seem simple, it’s actually more complex. It differs from the word earth and has different meanings applied in different contexts.

The Facts

The world pertains to the planet earth based on human race’s point of view. The earth, on the other hand, distinguishes the planet from other heavenly bodies in the universe. It refers to the planet as a physical entity. In a metaphysical context, the world pertains to reality and universe.

The word “world” is based from a compound of words such as, were, man and age. These words are not being used today anymore. When these words are combined the world basically means “life or age of man”. Therefore, it comprises of human history and experience or, generally, the condition of humankind.

World is also used to refer to the totality of the planet and human condition. Instead of just one place or region, it refers to the whole world such as world affairs, world news and world history. In world news and affairs, it examines everything that is currently happening all over the planet. In world history, it examines all the events that have taken place all over the globe.

World can also be used as an adjective such as the fashion world. It also refers to a heavenly body or planet that has been inhabited. In the theology of Christianity, the world connotes corruption, termed as “worldly.” In mythology, it is the basis of the term “underworld.” It is a domain located below the world that is thought to be the destination of souls after death. The worth of the soul would depend on which underworld he or she will go.

The Figures

As of July 2007 estimate by world fact book, there are approximately 6.6 billion people all over the planet. The continents of the world are divided and subdivided. The numbers vary depending on the model used by countries. Western- and English-speaking countries use the seven-continent model. Eastern Europe, Russia, Japan, Italy, Iran, Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula use the six-continent model.

Apart from the facts and the figures, the most important concept of the world is its reference to humankind. No matter where you live, we are all humans. Government relations affect the relationships of countries in general. Every action of an individual defines his country’s culture and beliefs. We should treat each other with respect regardless of religion, gender and race. Every human condition is important. We only have one planet to inhabit and one world to live.