Friedman ultimately concludes that the underpinning of the “flat” platform for global collaboration is trust. America is currently ahead of the game because of the environment of trust that has been fostered over the years (see p.334). However, all players could lose the flat platform if enough people turn their creativity to evil purpose. “Nuclear terrorism … would unflatten the world permanently,” writes Friedman (p. 603).
What should we do about it? First, we should make a concerted, determined effort to stamp out nuclear proliferation. Second, we should make a concerted, determined effort to “influence the imagination and intentions” that cause terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
Will capitalist arguments be strong enough to win potential terrorists over? While certainly part of the answer, money is not the complete solution. The key message to instill and proclaim is the same message given to Moses, thousands of years ago: “Love the Lord thy God with all thine heart” and “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18).
If our god is money or world dominance, we will never achieve lasting benefits for ourselves or our children, on any platform. The true key to America’s success is loyalty to our founding virtues, and to the God of this land. We should use the global platform to help make life better for people here and everywhere; but we should also remember that we will lose all if we drift from our foundations.
Read a summary of the book: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_is_Flat
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"If our god is money or world dominance, we will never achieve lasting benefits for ourselves or our children, on any platform." I agree 100%. I kind of cringe inside when people are always demanding more money for this or that when really what we need is more trust, responsibility, wisdom, and self-control.
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