KUDOS MAGAZINE - FEB'24

Love, Everyone’s Superpower

- MATT ALLEN

This month, I was going to write something entirely different, yet, there have been numerous messages and developments that have lead me to instead write about Love As a Superpower that we all posses and can wield as a tool and passion-weapon for the good and betterment of ourselves, others, and everyone.

Whether 'love is in the air' due to Valentine's Day, the various conversations I have been having with members of the team, or the many interesting people I chat with on a day-to-day basis, ranging from those who are subject to the potential of scary arranged marriages to those making apps that measure love, it is clear to me that I should be writing about Love.

I’m not going to try and delve into the meaning of love or what it is at a fundamental level. I am not going to philosophize about love’s origins or diversity among a spectrum of different meanings and understandings. Instead, I want to write (well, type) about what it could mean for us all, the power it has, and how it has the propensity to deliver us from all our current difficulties.?

Let’s take a moment and imagine. Within us all, lies a power so great that it can change society, stop wars, build bridges, cure illness, and put smiles on billions of peoples faces and in their hearts. It is often a catalyst to reproduction of the human race (hopefully, at least) and for many of the greatest achievements and creative works. Yet, the smallest of its gestures or words can mean the so much to someone.

This is Love.

This Superpower, a miracle of people - the ability to love and use that for the good of ourselves and others - not just our own selfish wants needs and desires, is fundamentally who and what human beings, people, are.

Many of you are familiar with my travels, my diverse international team, my love of people, and talking with as many people as possible. Why is that so? And why is it important here?

Well, I am trying to understand what people want, need, and what motivates them. For a long time, pretty much as long as I remember, I have been try to figure these things out. I always thought I was very different to others, but what I realize now, is that a lot of us feel this way. A lot of us are looking for what love is and to give that to others. People, generally in my experience want to be peaceful, happy, and content; with a smattering of thriving, not just the day-to-day survival.

You may have heard me talking about taxi drivers. I, in fact, talk to a lot of them in my day-to-day and travels abroad. Even yesterday, I caught a taxi from my local supermarket to home and was welcomed by a lovely gentleman from Bangladesh. We got talking, as is what invariably happens with me in taxis (I guess I just have the sort of face or demeanor that facilitates chatting) he began to talk of the pitiful state of his home country and how he wishes he could go home to enjoy freedom, happiness and relaxation.

We carried on in the taxi chatting about this, through to him helping me inside my apartment building with my shopping. This man, the same age as me, moved to the UK some 25 years prior with an aim of a better life and happiness. What he had instead was: debt from a mortgage, a job where he works sixteen hour days, no savings, and a family on the brink of financial ruin. As he left me, unaware of what I am doing, the changes I am bringing to the world, the work I and the team do in order to make that happen and the solutions that we have for so many of our current world problems, he simply said this to me. ‘Love what you do’.

It was clearly a simple salutation to say goodbye and encourage a fellow human being, perhaps something he says to everyone, or maybe, just a spontaneous phrase uttered in a supportive manner to a person who had shown interest in him and his life.

But, that is the point, whatever reason led to him saying that to me, it affirms what I’ve said above.

The simplest of things: small phrases, words, actions, whatever it maybe - those things of love really can make huge change. Inspiring, motivating, encouraging or supporting, that is love and its superpower in practice. It is the ability to make something for somebody else just a little better, to put a skip in their step, a smile on their face, or a spark in their heart.

Love, our Superpower, is baked into all that I aim to deliver through the platforms and solutions that I am creating.

The answers to the problems that exist, through the solution that is people, within the unity of love of one another - born out of love and devoid of hate - that is what everyone wants and what we all need whether we believe ‘the narrative’, are easily manipulated, are still comfortable, or even self-obsessed on some level.

What we all need is Love and the outcomes that it creates and generates. During this February, and every day from here forward, let us appreciate the Superpower that is in us, each child and adult, and realize that we are miracles, each and every one, and that by unifying our miracles - perhaps on platforms such as Kudos or DemoCry when they exist - will materialize the world we all want and deserve.

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, a celebration of the bonds between us and our loved ones in many ways. Let’s use our Superpower, not just today but every day, in every way we can.

2024 is here and our window of opportunity is limited. We will either take that opportunity and use our combined Superpower to realize the world we want to have, or we may miss the opportunity and never see it again.

What change do you want in the world? Peace, food, housing, energy, personal agency and freedom, health, happiness, better economic position? Do you want this, for you and your loved ones, your community, or for the whole world?

All of this is possible through our combined Superpower, and that is people, all of us.

What are you prepared to do to see that change realized?

Be safe, be well and be your miracle.

Much Love, Matt Allen: Founder and CEO Kudos International and DemoCry.

PS. If you would like to find out more about Kudos or DemoCry and the solutions that are to come, feel free to reach out to me and have a chat. You can tell me about you and what you do and I can share a little about Kudos and the bigger things.

#WeAreTheMiracle

#LetsMakeMiraclesHappen

#PeopleAreTheSolution

#LoveIsTheMiracle

Love Is a Many Splendored Thing

-Melissa Patrick

The power of love to produce genuine miracles has been documented for millennia.

Love is an joyous force that fills us with happiness, warmth, and a sense of deep connection uniting us in the most uplifting ways. It is that remarkable feeling that makes us smile when we see a friend, offer a helping hand to someone in need, and comfort those close to us. Love is about appreciating and valuing others, and celebrating in their successes.

With love is at the helm, our collective mindset starts projecting positivity and compassion all around, focusing on the well-being of others. Love inspires us to be better listeners, more supportive friends, and kinder to others; whether we know them or not.

The essence of love can be most seen in random acts of kindness between people. When we act out of love, we create a chain reaction of positive experiences. Selflessness strengthens our bonds and contributes to a more supportive and caring society. The beauty of people supporting people lies in its simplicity and the profound impact it has on creating a sense of belonging and unity.

In a world where love leads, peace will follow. Love encourages us to resolve conflicts with compassion, to understand rather than judge, and to forgive rather than hold grudges. A society where people are supportive and compassionate is naturally more peaceful, as individuals are more inclined to work together towards common goals and respect each others’ differences. Love breaks barriers and builds bridges, paving the way for a harmonious coexistence.

Embracing love in our everyday lives opens up a world of possibilities for a brighter, more peaceful future. By choosing to act with love and togetherness with those around us, we contribute to a a more united world. Together, we can build a world where a peaceful cohabitation is not just an dream but our reality, nurtured by the simple yet hugely meaningful acts of love that connect us all.

FEBRUARY THE MONTH OF LOVE

A VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE STORY

GENESIS 29:15-20 -Shama Khurana

This past Thursday, I scanned down the USA Today list of best-selling books. I noticed that the vast majority of the titles on that list are novels of love and romance. How ironic, then, that the Bible, the biggest selling book of them all, actually contains, among other things, as marvelous a collection of love stories as you would ever want to read. There is the story of Adam and Eve, who had the first romance. There is the story of Abraham and Sarah, from whose love there arose a whole nation. There is the story of Rebekah and Isaac, who… well, even today in the Church of England brides and grooms are asked: “Will you be faithful to one another as Rebekah and Isaac?” There is the story of Ruth and Boaz whose love began as a business deal and ended like a fairy tale. There is the story of Hosea and Gomer, whose love was adorned with both grace and forgiveness. But of all the love stories in the Bible, I think the one I love best is the story of Jacob and Rachel. On this Valentine’s Day, when we are celebrating stories of enduring love, I want us to focus on the love story of Jacob and Rachel.

Once upon a time…

There was a man named Jacob and a woman named Rachel. They met at a well in an oasis in the desert. The sun was scorching hot that day. We know that is true because the Bible notes that a large stone had been placed over the well to keep the water cool and pure- and that was done only when the temperature soared. The stone was so large that it required the combined efforts of several men to move it. That day we are told that the shepherds who had arrived at the well with their flocks had not moved the stone. They did not want to expend the effort of pulling the stone off and putting it back on every time another shepherd arrived. It was too hot for that kind of work. And so they were waiting until all the nearby shepherds arrived, and then they would have to move that heavy stone only once.

It was at that point that Jacob arrived at the well. He was new to that area and so he struck up a conversation with the shepherds. He asked if any of them knew a kinsmen of his named Laban. The shepherds answered: “Sure we know him. Not only that, but here comes his daughter, Rachel.” Jacob turned and looked at Rachel- and the earth moved beneath his feet. It was like Disney fireworks on the Fourth of July! It was love at first sight. But it endured long beyond that first glance. It happened instantaneously, but it is worth remembering that for all the years that Jacob lived, Rachel remained first in his heart. Theirs was a love which took only seconds to be born, but then it lived on forever.

How much did Jacob love Rachel? Well, you remember that I told you about that stone covering the well, that it was so heavy that it took several men to move it? Well, the Bible says that the minute that Jacob saw Rachel he went over to the well and picked up that heavy stone all by himself! That boy was in love! Head-over-heels, flat out in love! His heart was pounding, his adrenaline was flowing, and he grabbed up that stone, moved it aside and said: “Ma’am, let me water those sheep for you.” Yes, Jacob fell in love instantly, but that love endured for the rest of his life.

True story shared with me by Richard LaRue: On a cold day in 1942, inside a Nazi concentration camp, a lone, young boy looks out from the barbed wire and sees a young girl pass by. She, too, notices him, and is moved by his plight. To somehow express her feelings, she takes the apple she has in her hand and tosses it over the fence. As the young boy picks up the apple, a ray of light pierces his darkness. The following day, hoping upon hope that he might see her again, he goes to the fence, looks out and sure enough she appears again prepared with an apple in her hand. Despite another day of wintry blizzards and chilly air, two hearts are moved again as the apple passes over the fence. The scene is repeated for several days- two young spirits reaching out to each other in spite of all that separates them. Then one day the boy says to the young girl: “You don’t need to bring me an apple anymore. Tomorrow they are sending me to another camp.” The young boy then turned and walked away, too heartbroken to look back. Through all the horrors of the next years when the young boy lost everything but his life, the memory of that girl with the apple remained alive and gave him hope. In 1957, in the United States, two adults, both immigrants, are set up on a blind date. “And what were you doing during the war?” inquires the woman. The man replies: “I was in a concentration camp in Germany.” She says: “Well, for a short while, I used to throw apples over the fence to a boy in a concentration camp.” Stunned, the man speaks: “And did that boy say to you one day that you didn’t need to bring the apples anymore?” She cannot respond. He then says: “I was that young boy. I was separated from you then, but I don’t ever want to be without you again. Will you marry me?” Awash in tears they embrace each other and she says “yes!” On Valentine’s Day, 1996, on the Oprah Winfrey show, that same man affirmed his enduring love to his wife of forty years by saying: “You fed me in the concentration camp and you fed me through all of the years since. Now, I remain hungry only for your love.”

That’s the lesson we learn from the love story of Jacob and Rachel- it’s not so important how love starts; what really matters is how long love lasts! A word to those of you who are young: Don’t give yourself away to just anyone. Invest your love only in a relationship that will last.

The story continues…

Jacob fell for Rachel and he fell hard. Whatever else you may say about Jacob, both good and bad, you’ve got to admit that he was a fast mover. As a matter of fact, he kissed Rachel on the very first date and then he said to her: “Let’s go talk to your father. I want to marry you.” Well, Rachel’s father, Laban, granted approval provided that Jacob first worked for him for seven years. It was then that Jacob and Rachel learned that the voyage of enduring love is not always smooth sailing.

After seven years, Jacob was ready to marry Rachel. There was a big wedding, but it was only after the wedding that Jacob removed the veil from his bride and discovered that he hadn’t married Rachel at all. He had married Rachel’s sister, Leah. Now the Bible says of Rachel that she “was beautiful and lovely.” But the Bible has only two things to say about Leah- that she was older than Rachel and that she had weak eyes- not exactly a glamorous portrayal. But you know, in light of what happened, it always seemed to me that Jacob was the one with the weak eyes! In any case, the deed was done. Laban reminded Jacob that in their country, the older daughter always had to marry first. But then he told Jacob that if he committed to work another seven years, then he could have the hand of Rachel. It was tough, but the love between Jacob and Rachel survived the tough times.

That’s another mark of enduring love. It not only endures for a long time, it endures through the tough times. When a man and a woman make their promises, their commitments to one another in love, they do not know the challenges and difficulties they will have to face. They have no way of knowing what their health will be, what their financial resources will be, whether or not they will have children. They don’t know how long they will live or what problems they will confront or how their circumstances may change. But enduring love is just that—it is meant to endure?regardless.

A quick sidebar. If you are divorced, I want you to know that I love you too much to heap guilt upon you. Divorce is what happens to marriages that just don’t work no matter how hard you try- and there are some marriages like that. All I am saying here is that some people decide way too soon that their marriage won’t work, that their love won’t endure. I am simply encouraging us all to learn from Jacob and Rachel that loving your way through the tough times, while it may be costly, sometimes can lead to great joy and happiness.

Right here in the midst of this great love story there is a perfectly wonderful sentence. It reads: “Jacob served all those years for Rachel but they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.” Isn’t that beautiful? Of course, there were other challenges and difficulties they had to face along the way. Many of them involved their children. And then there was the toughest challenge of them all. When Rachel was giving birth to the last of their sons- his name was Benjamin- the child survived, but Rachel died. The Bible says that Jacob was plunged into a sorrow which would last for as long as he lived. He built a great stone marker over her grave, and well he should have. She was his life. He loved her at first sight. He loved her at last breath. And he loved her every moment in between.

That’s the great lesson we learn from the love story of Jacob and Rachel. Their love not only lasted a long time, but their love lasted through the tough times. Yes, enduring love is meant to be just that- enduring love.

So…

Today is St. Valentine’s Day. It is a day for hearts and flowers and cards and calls and happiness and joy. Of course, you know that that’s not the way it began. Valentine was a Roman Catholic priest who was martyred on February 14, 270 A.D., during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius was determined to eradicate Christianity from his empire and so he began putting to death highly visible and important Christian leaders. One such leader was Father Valentine. The emperor had him seized, severely beaten, and thrown in jail. He declared to Valentine: “Either renounce the Lord Jesus in front of all the people or be executed.” Valentine refused to deny his faith. And so on February 14th, the soldiers came to take him to be put to death by beheading. Apparently, as he left his cell, he gave the jailer’s daughter a piece of paper torn into the shape of a heart bearing his name. Years later, the Roman Catholic Church made Valentine a saint and dedicated February 14th as a time to remember this Christian who was willing to die for his love of Jesus Christ. Though the meaning may have been watered down through the years, it began as a day when Christians put special messages on hearts and shared them with other Christians to encourage them in the faith, proving that love can be put to death but never stopped or defeated.

That’s why I wanted to look at the love story of Jacob and Rachel on this St. Valentine’s Day. You see, the Bible tells us that when Rachel died Jacob buried her in a place called Ephrath. Years later, there was born in that same place, the mightiest descendant of Jacob and Rachel. What you need to know is that Ephroth is the Old Testament name for Bethlehem. And the mightiest descendant of Jacob and Rachel was named Jesus. I think maybe that’s the most beautiful thing of all about the enduring love of Jacob and Rachel-that out of their love came the One Whose love would save the world. That’s a love story worth remembering on this St. Valentine’s Day.

Life, Technology and Innovation

-Omar M

Life caught a baby eagle:

Injured, alone and named Hope.

Fell from a tree; would have

Ended Hope's days probably.

To bring him home wouldn't be

Entering Hope into the

Chaotic world of men,

Home of addiction to

New coined technology

On making men's work easy?

Life didn't has a choice though;

On Hope's left wing was a

**** as big as her index

Yet to be healed by Psyche next.

In the home, with Life's mother

Night and into the day,

Neighbors in and pushed out,

Over the wing they both worked.

Vigorous task it might be,

A life of a bird depend,

Together they had made

Impossible into

Optimistic victory:

New metallic wing awaits?the?world.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS ……. A skill to inspire ….

-Dr. Supriya Kumaravelan

Interpersonal skills are a set of?soft skills?that are essential for success in the 21st century. They are the skills that help us interact and communicate with others to build, maintain, and strengthen relationships.?In today’s world, where social interaction is more important than ever, interpersonal skills are critical to help us function and succeed in our personal and professional lives1.

Interpersonal skills include working creatively with others, communicating clearly, collaborating, adapting to change, flexibility, interacting effectively with diverse teams, guiding and leading others, and being responsible1. These skills are innate and learned skills used in social situations pertinent to your career, education, and personal life.

In order to strengthen your interpersonal skills, it is important to develop self-awareness and an openness to learning.?You can start by being a good listener, avoiding criticism, condemnation, or complaints, and trying to see things from someone else’s perspective1.?You can also practice empathy, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, negotiation, and positive attitude1.

In conclusion, interpersonal skills are an essential part of the 21st century skillset. They are critical to help us function and succeed in our personal and professional lives.?Developing these skills requires self-awareness, an openness to learning, and a willingness to practice them in social situations.

?Some of the most common interpersonal skills:

·?????? Communication

·?????? Empathy

·?????? Emotional intelligence

·?????? Conflict resolution

·?????? Negotiation

·?????? Listening

·?????? Positive attitude

·?????? Teamwork

·?????? Collaboration

·?????? Leadership

·?????? Networking

·?????? Mediating

·?????? Persuasion

·?????? Motivation

? Screams of Freedom

- a poem written by

Mira Warszawski - Certified Life Coach and co-author of 4 bestselling books

In the silent corridors of my soul, an urge emerges,

A yearning to scream from the depths of existence,

A forceful release, a withheld breath about to burst,

Shattering windows like fragile promises in the storm.

Witness the shards ascend, dancing in the air like ethereal popsicles,

Frozen arrows, poignant relics of the sorrow within,

For the heart was never meant to be encased in ice,

Unleash your fire, let it thaw the frozen echoes.

Scream, not in silence, but in the language of liberation,

A symphony of pain echoing through the universe,

Even if unheard by mortal ears, let it resonate,

A primal howl, a declaration of your unbridled?freedom.

Navigating Breakups in Your 20s: A Rollercoaster Ride

?????? Bijetri Roy (Entrepreneur, Writer, Ex-Project Finance Lawyer)

Breakups are seldom easy, but when they occur during the formative years of your 20s, they can feel especially tumultuous. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is already a period of significant change and self-discovery. Adding the emotional weight of a breakup into the mix can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and self-doubt. In this article, we'll explore the multifaceted impact of breakups on mental health in your 20s, and discuss strategies for coping, including navigating rebounds, combating loneliness, and prioritizing self-care.

The Rollercoaster of Emotions

Breakups in your 20s can unleash a whirlwind of emotions. Initially, there might be shock, disbelief, and denial, followed by intense feelings of sadness, anger, and betrayal. You may find yourself questioning your self-worth and replaying every moment of the relationship in your mind, searching for answers and closure. It's essential to acknowledge and validate these emotions rather than suppress them. Bottling up feelings can prolong the healing process and potentially lead to more significant mental health issues down the road.

The Temptation of Rebounds

One common pitfall after a breakup is the temptation to jump into a rebound relationship. While seeking comfort in the arms of another person may provide temporary relief from heartache, it's crucial to recognize that rebounds often serve as distractions rather than genuine connections. Rushing into a new relationship without taking time to process and heal from the previous one can impede emotional growth and perpetuate a cycle of unhealthy attachments.

Instead, consider embracing solitude as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Use this time to rediscover your passions, strengthen friendships, and nurture your independence. By focusing on self-improvement rather than seeking validation from others, you lay the foundation for healthier future relationships.

Confronting Loneliness

Loneliness is a common companion in the aftermath of a breakup, especially when you're accustomed to sharing your life with someone else. The absence of a partner can amplify feelings of isolation and exacerbate negative self-talk. It's essential to combat loneliness proactively by reaching out to friends and family for support. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and don't hesitate to lean on them during this challenging time.

Additionally, consider exploring new social activities and hobbies to expand your social circle and meet like-minded individuals. Joining clubs, volunteering, or taking up a new sport can provide opportunities for connection and camaraderie. Remember that genuine connections take time to cultivate, so be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of building new relationships.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Above all, prioritize self-care as you navigate the aftermath of a breakup. This includes both physical and emotional well-being. Make time for activities that nourish your body and soul, whether it's practicing yoga, going for nature walks, or indulging in your favourite hobbies. Cultivate a healthy routine that incorporates regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. In addition to physical self-care, prioritize your mental and emotional health. Practice mindfulness and meditation to quiet your mind and cultivate inner peace. Consider seeking professional support through therapy or counselling to process your emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Therapy can provide valuable tools and coping strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges associated with breakups.

Breakups in your 20s can be emotionally taxing, but they also present opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By acknowledging your feelings, resisting the urge to rebound, confronting loneliness head-on, and prioritizing self-care, you can emerge from this challenging chapter stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before. Remember that healing is a gradual process, and it's okay to seek help along the way. With time and self-compassion, you will find healing and eventually open your heart to new beginnings.

The Mentor Effect: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

-Christopher?Salem

In the journey of life and business, challenges are inevitable. Yet, it's how we navigate these challenges that truly defines our path to success. One of the most powerful tools in this journey is mentorship.

Mentors serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path ahead and providing invaluable insights gained through their own experiences. They offer not just advice, but a roadmap born out of trial and error, successes and setbacks. With their wisdom as a compass, mentors help transform obstacles into opportunities.

One of the key aspects of mentorship is the perspective it offers. When faced with challenges, it's easy to become mired in the immediate problem, losing sight of the bigger picture. A mentor, however, brings a fresh vantage point, helping mentees see beyond the obstacle to the possibilities that lie beyond. They encourage thinking outside the box, exploring innovative solutions, and reframing challenges as stepping stones to growth.

Moreover, mentors provide a source of inspiration and motivation. They've walked the path before, overcoming hurdles and achieving milestones. Their stories of resilience and determination serve as beacons of hope, reminding mentees that success is within reach, even in the face of adversity. Through their encouragement and support, mentors instill the confidence needed to tackle challenges head-on, empowering mentees to persevere and push past limitations.

Beyond just offering advice, mentors also provide practical strategies and tools for navigating challenges effectively. Drawing on their wealth of experience, they offer insights into best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and actionable steps to take. Whether it's refining leadership skills, honing decision-making abilities, or navigating complex organizational dynamics, mentors offer tailored guidance to address specific challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Furthermore, mentorship fosters personal and professional growth. By providing constructive feedback and constructive criticism, mentors help mentees identify areas for improvement and develop new skills. They serve as accountability partners, challenging mentees to stretch beyond their comfort zones and strive for excellence. Through this process of continuous learning and development, mentees emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate future challenges.

Ultimately, the mentor effect transcends individual success to impact entire organizations and communities. As mentees grow and succeed, they become role models and mentors in their own right, paying forward the invaluable lessons they've learned. In this way, mentorship creates a ripple effect of positive change, transforming not only individual lives but entire ecosystems.

Mentorship is a powerful catalyst for transforming challenges into opportunities. By offering perspective, inspiration, practical guidance, and fostering growth, mentors empower mentees to rise above obstacles and achieve their full potential. The mentor effect is not just about overcoming challenges—it's about embracing them as catalysts for growth and transformation.

The Essential Role of Affectivity in Human Development and Identity -Jo Godin

First, it is essential to define and understand affectivity before detailing its importance. But then, what is affectivity? Have you ever seen a little bird get thrown out of the nest before being fed? Or before having been protected during these most vulnerable moments? Or before the mother bird is sure that it can fly on its own? Likewise, have you ever seen a father not marvel at his baby's first steps? Or not give him the bottle? Have you ever seen a mother not hold her baby? Or not talk to her child with kindness and love? Each living being becomes alive through love, through care, through affectivity.

It is imperative to develop affection with your child because it is the basis of life. It is the basis of the human being who is born wild, devoid of reason and meaning. Being loved and learning to love will make him a better human and will then allow him to learn better in other areas of his life.

Then, it is important to show affection and love to your child very early on because this is precisely what gives meaning to life, it makes us feel that we have a reason to exist: to love and to be loved.

Just like the expression Mozart's death, a child will become a man if he is educated as such, and this happens through the love, affection and care that we give him. What we achieve from our potential depends on our environment.

Now that affectivity and its importance are defined, let’s look at reductionism as mentioned by Amin Maalouf in his text “Murderous Identities”.

First of all, what is the link between identity and affectivity? Affectivity, as mentioned above, is the basis of human life, it forges the foundations of what the living being is and will become. His identity, for its part, evolves over time and is like a baggage of events and human experiences that man carries throughout his life and which is obviously linked to the human that he is thanks to the affectivity received in his childhood.

A problem exists and persists regarding identity. It is well highlighted in the text by Amin Maalouf. Society tends to reduce human beings to their smallest expression, it will define them according to a label. This is, as Maalouf claims, a serious error, because “My identity is what makes me not identical to any other person. ? This is what makes each human being unique and brings light to humanity in order to make it a world of diversity and authenticity. A human world full of surprises. A world in which we are all creative minds of our own lives.

As Maalouf relates so well, we are every part of our lives, such that I am a white man, from Montreal, from Quebec, with Portuguese blood. Even more than that, I am every experience of my past and every action of my future.

So what's the problem with reducing a living thing to a single label? It is a danger, a direct attack on this person's potential, the potential to be fully oneself. As Maalouf mentioned: “Even if, tomorrow, we manage, as we fear, to “clone” humans, these clones themselves would only be identical, in the extreme, to the moment of their “birth”; from their first steps in life, they would become different. ? A beautiful way to end this text is by mentioning the following ideology: the greatest gift that we can offer to humanity is to be ourselves.