What defines the end of the world? Is it a catastrophic event, a nuclear fallout, or the planet rendered uninhabitable? Perhaps the truest end of the world is far more subtle: it is the point where human goodness falters. It is in this space, where compassion is replaced by cruelty and empathy gives way to apathy, that we truly lose what makes us human.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides sobering statistics about trauma and resilience. Around 70 % of people globally will experience a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime. Yet, only a minority (5.6 %) go on to develop Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with an estimated 3.9 % of the world population having experienced PTSD at some point. The likelihood of developing PTSD varies, with higher rates among those exposed to violent conflict or war (15.3 %) and especially following sexual violence. These figures tell a story not only about the human capacity for resilience but also about the prevalence of harm and the environments in which goodness is tested.
Are we born to be good?
I want to believe that every human being is born with the capacity for goodness. This potential lies dormant within us, shaped by upbringing, environment, and personal choices. However, my personal and professional experience has shown that not everyone remains equally connected to this goodness. Some, disconnected from their ability to feel their own pain, turn outward, projecting their suffering onto others through harmful actions such as verbal, emotional, physical, financial, sexual abuse.
The uncomfortable truth is that this disconnection is often a choice. When a person decides to be violent or harmful, they are choosing to make others pay for the mistakes of someone else. It is a cycle that perpetuates harm, extinguishing the light of human goodness in the process.
The roots of violence and harm:
Trauma can be a catalyst for both healing and destruction. For some, experiencing pain becomes a bridge to empathy and connection, deepening their understanding of others' struggles. For others, it creates a void, severing their connection to compassion and fuelling harmful behaviours. The difference lies in whether a person can process and integrate their pain or whether they become consumed by it. In cases of extreme violence, such as war or sexual violence, the repercussions ripple far beyond the immediate victims. The perpetrator’s actions often reflect their own unresolved pain or disconnection from their humanity. Yet, this does not absolve them of responsibility. Choosing harm and violence over healing is an act of willfulness. Such choice marks the erosion of human goodness and the end of the world. The end of the world is where hope does not thrive.
Is there any hope for redemption?
Despite this bleak reality, there is hope. The same resilience that allows many to survive traumatic events and rebuild their own life can also be harnessed to restore human goodness. Healing begins with recognising the pain within oneself and making the conscious choice to process it rather than inflict it on others. Psychotherapy, community support, and self-reflection are all pathways to reconnecting with our capacity for compassion.
It is also crucial to create environments where goodness is nurtured rather than suppressed. This means addressing systemic issues that breed violence, such as social inequality, injustice, discrimination and lack of access to mental health resources. By fostering a culture of empathy and accountability, we can prevent the disconnection from goodness that leads to harm.
The end of the world is not an external apocalypse, it is the point where human beings lose their connection to goodness. Trauma, violence, and pain are part of the human experience, but they do not have to define us completely. The choice to harm others or to heal and reconnect with our humanity lies within each of us. By acknowledging this choice and taking steps to nurture our capacity for compassion, we can ensure that the world does not end - at least, not in the ways that truly matter.
You can find some more statistical information about PTSD from the WHO in the link below:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
