If you’re in the UK you’ll currently be in the middle of the debate raging about our participation in Europe. Here’s some thoughts from the Seventeenth Century that I think are particularly pertinent.
“No man is an iland, intire of it selfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee…”
I think John Donne‘s words eloquently state a case for internationalism.
Is the UK a clod in this metaphor?
I absolutely agree; vote to leave was a sad day for Britain and Europe. We need to be outward-looking and embrace difference and relationships, not an insular island state. All Remainers should consider signing the parliamentary petition requesting a second referendum!
If anyone reading this lives in the Oxford area and wishes to attend, there is a pro-EU rally on Broad Street in Oxford, today, Tuesday 28th June, at 5.30 pm!