Our Brothers' Keepers

A recent article was sent to me regarding the work done by Lilia Abron, PhD, an environmental engineer and founder of PEER Consultants and PEER Africa.  While this in and of itself was not unusual, I receive articles all the time; it was the title Engineering Better Lives for Others that caught my notice.  Abron was raised with the ethic that individuals are their brothers’ keeper: a selflessness that is often overlooked by many in our collective societies.

Today's complicated world is beset by individuals who put themselves first, by those who forget about the connectivity of humanity, the environment, social issues, justice, education, and economies.  It is easy to focus on one’s self and much more difficult to focus on the struggles that affect others and ultimately all.  Abron is someone who has been able to look beyond boundaries, beyond barriers encountered, and see an opportunity to take what she loved and make a difference.

To be our brothers’ keepers means that we each need to be aware of how our actions can affect others.  Whether it is on an individual, corporate, national, or global basis, our decisions have consequences that reach far wider than we anticipate.