Thermae Romae is a 2012 live-action film adaptation of the Japanese manga by Mari Yamazaki. It is a comedy that tells the improbable story of Lucius, an ancient Roman architect struggling with inspiration, who discovers a passage leading to a modern Japanese bathhouse. The mangaka’s experiences living in various countries, including Italy, clearly influenced the unique concept behind this narrative.
What if we finally used the technology at our disposal to work together to solve important issues?
It is often said that in order to solve a difficult issue, one must look at the problem from a different perspective. Now that we live in an interconnected world, equipped with technologies that allow for instant communication and multilingual translation, shouldn’t we finally harness these tools to address the most pressing global challenges? Basic human needs remain unmet for large segments of the population, while environmental issues grow increasingly severe, triggering unrest and even civil wars.
Couldn’t we make use of the natural differences of culture to create new ideas to develop humankind in harmony with nature?
While we cannot work at full capacity all the time and must also allow space for rest and leisure, isn’t it essential to seek a deeper balance in how we live and function as a society? When COVID-19 hit, we re-evaluated what constituted “essential” work—a rare chance to reconsider how our societies have developed. Many modern industries thrive not for the good of humankind, but simply for profit. Social media algorithms are optimized to maximize engagement by exploiting negative emotions like hate, greed, or fear. Yet, this very moment also holds potential: new kinds of work can be imagined—ones that are aligned with the well-being of both people and the planet. Just as Lucius brought innovation back from another time, so too could we find renewal in the cultural diversity already available to us.
Yet, sadly, many nations still only see the benefits through the prism of their own selfishness. This can change, however, when individuals choose to awaken—when they become more aware and conscious of the state of our world.
What’s one cultural difference you’ve encountered that sparked a completely new idea or shifted your thinking?
Let’s explore how our diverse perspectives might contribute to building something better together—share your thoughts in the comments below.
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