World hello day, a secular holiday, was first celebrated in 1973.  Who knew?   I ask because this year is the first I heard of it and I have been around scince well before 1973.

The tag line of the day could be described as “Build your relationships, say hello to someone you don’t know. “ The stated objective is to greet at least ten people during the day.

Peace and Communication

The organizer of the day (Brian McCormack) had a simple concept in mind.  The key message was targeted to world leaders.  Use communication rather than force to resolve conflicts.

Interact with your fellow denizens of the world, get to know them.  Peace founded on personal communication by actually simply greeting others.

Dialogue can accomplish much more than force and the effects are immeasurably more sustainable.  The simple concept of getting to understand different perspectives lays a powerful foundation for getting along.

Israel and Egypt

Back in 1973 Israel and Egypt were at war.  Did their leaders even know each other?  A conflict based on historical and cultural basis between people whom were not even willing to greet each other, so sad.

My hat goes off to Brian Maccorkmack for a simple yet powerful idea that although it has not changed the world overnight the positive message has continued unabated each year.

So on Nov 21st and everyday say hello to 10 people.  Build empathy with others.  We are not alone. Share your joys and sorrows and they will share theirs.

Peace Out.