We live in an age dominated by consumerism, polarization, and conflict. Many of us have consequently lost sight of our purpose as citizens and now live hollow lives, incessantly looking for that next moment that will proffer some modicum of pleasure if not some semblance of meaning. There can be no meaning, however, without historical consciousness, which provides context and thus significance to everything we do. Such consciousness, moreover, must be inclusive, global in scope, and consider all human beings as protagonists on a collective journey toward the inevitable realization of the oneness of humankind—a journey that is concurrently propelled by the forces of disintegration and integration, both of which “serve to carry humanity, each in its own way, along the path leading towards its full maturity” (The Universal House of Justice, 2 March 2013). This talk considers the role of an inclusive historical consciousness in view of the widespread preoccupation with living in the moment, the nature of power, and the challenges and benefits of cultivating a unified narrative.
Todd Smith holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto where he focused on developing a consultative epistemology concerning health, illness, and disease. He has since published articles on epistemology, the harmony of science and religion, freedom of speech, and historical consciousness. Since obtaining his doctorate, Todd has worked with a variety of Bahá’í-inspired educational endeavors and has served on both the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada and the Regional Bahá’í Council of Ontario. He was the Coordinator of the Research Department at the Bahá’í World Centre for seven years, and now serves as Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Association for Bahá’í Studies in North America.
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