The Definition Of Global Citizen In The Most Inspiring Ways.

Are you a global citizen? 
Sorry, I’m not sure what it means to be a global citizen.

The definition of global citizen might be very tricky for so many people. And they have every right to be confused about it. It is not something you learn at school or get certified in. It's based on personal experience, the path each one of us embraces or not.

Accordingly, as a new mindset, a new way of living, a new philosophy, people unpack this concept differently. Some identify themselves as global citizens because they travel a lot to see the world. And for others, it’s something beyond traveling the seven seas...

But there is something that everyone can agree on regarding the definition of global citizen. It links us to the world, the planet, mother earth as a common ground, literally.

However, the citizen part might be problematic. Because some people assume they have to give up their nationality to become a global citizen, which they regard as a fundamental part of their identity. But this is both silly and impossible. No one can uproot nobody from their identity unless they want to commit genocide.

Yet, the real question is, does your nationality reflect your whole selfhood? Did you settle your identity on your country, belief, gender, job, culture, language, social status? Or have you ever wondered that who you are as a living human being might go beyond all of this?

If that thought crossed your mind, then you’re already halfway to understand what a global citizen is. With that being said, here are some of our favorite quotes that illustrate best what a global citizen is.

The definition of global citizen in quotes:

The idea of family, community, race, religion, or nationality is our making. So don't treat it like it's an absolute. The world is our family.
Sadhguru

 

If you draw yourself a boundary, whether of ideology, caste, creed, race, or religion, you cannot move beyond it and you end up stuck for no reason at all.
Sadhguru

 

By relocating our identity on the earth, we prevent the creation of negative identities, which are in conflict with each other.
Vandana Shiva

 

Human beings are more alike than we are unalike. And the minute we begin to understand that, we recognize ourselves as family.
Maya Angelou

 

When I look at our planet, I don’t see any borders. So I see you as a citizen of earth, just like me, this is who we truly are.
Roxana Jones

To be a global citizen is…

1- Selfhood:

Well, again, to be a global citizen is to allow yourself to be who you truly are, label-free. In a way, it releases you from all sorts of restrictions that we impose on ourselves, or occasionally, society forces us to embrace. 

Whether it's nationality, religion, culture, or gender, you are more, way more than that. You are life itself and not just a part of it. With that said, to be a global citizen is to be joyful and mindful of every aspect of it. As a result, to be a global citizen is to be free, to enjoy your freedom, as a whole human being, all-inclusive.

2- Interbeing:

To be a global citizen is to regard the planet, mama earth, as your home, your country, your haven, your safehouse, your shelter...
That makes you free as a bird and connected to the source of our existence all at once.

To be a global citizen is to see yourself part of this bio-network of the planet, our mutual home. That means to consciously realize that you are connected to the bees, the oceans, the plants, the people, and even the worms. And along with all sorts of living species, you are part of an elaborate scheme, which we’ll ever fully understand. 

This being the case, it also means making choices that will preserve that scheme balanced. It doesn’t have to be radical, but whatever you do in your daily life, you’ll think about mama earth, your human family and all other creatures while making decisions for yourself.

3- One family:

To be a global citizen is to regard all other human beings as family. Just to be clear, no one is telling you to go hug strangers in the street unless you want to, of course. But, it’s much more beyond that.

It's about giving people the benefit of the doubt and listening to their stories. It's about showing people kindness, even though you know nothing about their lives, especially because of that. To be a global citizen is also to see similarities rather than differences even though your background might have nothing in common with others. 

To be a global citizen is to believe we are all everyone equal, to treat everyone the way you want to be treated. 
And most importantly, to be a global citizen is to stand for human rights because you know that each human life is worthwhile.

So, how to become global citizen ?

Well, perhaps you already are. It just never occurred to you that this is the definition of global citizen. The label-free is sort of even better! 

There are many ways to become a global citizen. And everyone willing can apply its philosophy for everyday life, and not just as a hashtag.
Here is a list, not an exhaustive one. But you can always come up with your own terms as long as they’re not contradictory to the concept!

1- Be grateful:

If you think you don’t have much to be grateful for, think again. For a starter, you have nutritious food, fresh air, clean water, a roof, sunlight... All that your body and soul basically need to blossom.

2- Be kind:

kindness comes in so many forms. You can donate to an NGO, volunteer, leave your seat in the subway to someone who needs it more, or give away a meal, or simply smile at people. Everyone can be kind. We just have to be willing to show it more often.

3- Be alert:

The world we live in goes so fast that it’s hard to keep up with everything happening. But stay alert, don’t look away when the world is calling out racism, hate crime, human exploitation, or human rights violations.
Don’t look the other way.

4- Be connected: 

If you’re outside, take a moment to feel the elements that surround you, the sound of flies humming, birds tweeting, the wind blowing in your hair, or the sun warming up your skin. Touch a tree or a plant leaves. Walk barefoot on the grass if you can, or feel the sand through your toes. We are all part of the unique scheme of mother earth, and in mama Earth’s eyes, we’re all the same.

5- Be judgment-free:

It is consistent work, especially when society taught us so well how to judge one another. The less judgmental we are, the less divisive we become. When one stops judging others, they make more space (in their mind and heart) to actually learn about the other. So remind yourself that as long as you’re not walking in someone else’s shoes, you might not necessarily understand, but you can surely empathize.

6- Be aware:

Remember that your tiniest doings can have repercussions on others and the planet. Take shopping, for example. You might think it’s a harmless bargain to buy a 4$ tee. But in reality, things get really ugly with fast fashion when it comes to violating human rights, destroying the ecosystem, and polluting mama earth. That's Why it’s crucial to shop less. Plus, there are always ethical brands like Coconut Legacy as an ethical and sustainable alternative. The point is, always think of the bigger picture!

7- Be creative:

You don’t need to follow what others do, just because it’s the trend. Always do things your way because authenticity is what makes what you do valuable. It’s not even about thinking outside the box rather than not having a box in the first place. Always keep your mind open to all sorts of possibilities.

8- Be open:

If you have a preconceived opinion about something, well, you are blindsiding yourself, in a way. You hinder yourself from perhaps living a life-changing experience. So, before you dive into a new culture, language, or place, pre-empty your thoughts. You can confidently build the whole experience from scratch instead of consolidating weak assumptions.

9- Be label-free:

No one is asking you to give up your nationality, religion, orientation, culture, but don’t let these labels take over your identity, your true self. You are not just one thing; you are everything that makes you who you are, a human being full of life.

10- Be a child of mama earth:

The planet is our mother. So as children of hers, we need to listen carefully to what she says. She has knowledge and wisdom to share, and it’s up to us to take it or leave it. More than that, between climate change, animal extinction, and landfills, she’s calling for help, and it is our responsibility to be all ears. So let’s be good and brave children of mama earth and listen carefully… After all, we need her more than she needs us. No mama earth, no human life.

The takeaway

Global citizens or not, we all belong to this planet, period. So being conscious about it, simply means that we are considering the well-being of our home, mother Earth.

And the more you feel connected to your home, the more you’ll be protective of it. The more you care about your family, the more caring and empathetic you’ll become towards everyone and everything. 

And that’s what a global citizen is all about!
Tell us in the comment 3 things you do that make you a global citizen.