Universal Responsibility and the Extension of Care to All Living Kind

Hanging on the wall in my office next to my computer is a scroll made of material with the following quote by the Dalai Lama: “I believe that we must consciously develop a greater sense of Universal Responsibility. We must learn to work not just for our own individual self, family, or nation, but for the benefit of all mankind.”

I liked it so much that I used it in my signature line for a while, but I adapted it to read “for the benefit of all living kind” (with acknowledgment of the adaptation). A search of the internet yields different versions of this quote, but the sentiment remains the same, and you often find references to his words that extend beyond ‘mankind.’When I first hung that scroll, I read it as a moral reminder, to care more broadly, to think beyond myself or my “tribe.” But over time, it has become something else—a deep call to consciousness and action… given the very troubled state of the world we live in. As well, the boundaries of the reference to “mankind,” as noted, are no longer sufficient, and from my point of view, never were. However, the call from the Dalai Lama and its true nature, noting the interdependence of all “living kind” was and is “the real key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace, the equitable use of natural resources, and, through concern for future generations, the proper care of the environment.” The air we breathe, the species disappearing, the waters rising, the recognition of others (both human and non-human) — these too are part of our moral circle.

In a world increasingly fractured by politics, polarization, and ecological strain, Universal Responsibility isn’t just an ethical idea; it’s a survival skill. It asks that we widen our circle of concern to include everyone, the forests that give us breath, the oceans that regulate our weather, and the generations who will inherit what we leave behind. To act for “all living kind” is to remember that we “inter-are.”  The term “inter-are” originates from Thích Nhất Hạnh’s teaching of interbeing — his poetic expression of interdependence as a lived reality. He coined the term “inter-are” (a verb he invented) to help English speakers feel the dynamic, ongoing nature of connectedness, something more alive than the abstract noun “interdependence.” (See the table below to review the distinction.) “Inter-are” means that nothing exists independently. Everything co-arises in relationship with everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. Not a person, not a thought, not a nation. As Thích Nhất Hạnh would say: every political, personal, and ecological choice ripples outward through the same web of life.

I find myself reflecting on the quote hanging in my office more and more. I am wondering what needs to happen for the world of human beings to make a shift so that they no longer see themselves as separate from nature or from other living things, but instead truly see themselves as a part of nature. In this way, we can recognize that what we do to the world, we do to ourselves. By recognizing our fate as intertwined with the Earth’s, we can no longer pretend that environmental collapse or human suffering occurs somewhere else, to someone else. Indeed, the quote and full sentiment feel almost prophetic now. The world we inhabit is one in which political divides deepen even as the planet itself becomes increasingly unstable. When leaders act as if their obligations end at the border, or corporations treat the Earth as an expendable resource, the consequences unfolding in real time remind us how false those divisions are.If we frame this awareness into ideas of rigidity or inflexibility, we discover that climate change and political polarization both stem from the same narrow focus: the illusion of separateness. Universal Responsibility invites a shift in context, a reversal of our understanding. A shift from defending what’s mine and the small sense of self to protecting and caring for the whole field of life we belong to. In ACT terms, it’s a move from rigid self-protection to values-based participation in the living system that sustains us.

The political world and the climate crisis have made the truth unavoidable: Universal Responsibility is no longer a spiritual luxury. Instead, it begs us to engage in the practical recognition of interdependence. Whether the issue is climate migration, environmental justice, or public health, we will rise or fall together. To live for “all living kind” is to reclaim politics and climate recovery as the art of belonging.

The words, “for the benefit of all living kind,” feel to me like the natural evolution of an important message — one that aligns with psychological flexibility and the ethics of interbeing, acknowledging Inter-are. When our awareness expands beyond self and nation to include the living world itself, our actions become more workable, more sustainable, and more in line with being part of something amazing—the indescribable beauty of the Earth. The choice before us is stark but simple: evolve our sense of responsibility to match the scale of our impact—or be undone by the illusion that we stand apart. 

Personal Reflection: My Responsibility

Have you noticed how easy it is, even with the best intentions, to slip into thinking of “the world” as something outside of yourself — the fires are somewhere else, the floods are somewhere else, the suffering is somewhere else. But when you step outside and feel the weight of the air after a long, hot summer, or flight of a hummingbird over the flowers, or the soft, dark Earth beneath your feet, remember: this is all one system. Your well-being is not separate from the well-being of the world that holds you. Take a moment to mindfully acknowledge your interdependence with the world, offering appreciation.You might consider doing this with a simple exercise. I was once asked during a meal at a silent retreat to think about all that made the salad possible (pick your own food). It was an amazing discovery for me, I hope it will be for you as well.

ACT Micro Practice: Stepping Into Their Shoes

Step outside, or simply look toward a window. Take three slow breaths.On the first, notice what the world gives you — air, color, sound, water.On the second, notice what you give back — warmth, breath, care.On the third, let gratitude arise for this mutual exchange.Allow yourself to feel part of, not apart from, the living system that sustains you.

Research Spotlight: Continuing With the Theme

In a 2009 study by Davis, Green & Reed, the concept of commitment to the environment (which includes perceiving humans and nature as interdependent) was introduced. They found that higher levels of perceived interdependence (and inclusion of nature in the self) significantly predicted pro-environmental behaviour, above and beyond standard ecological attitudes. That is, when a person sees “nature” not as separate but as intimately connected with themselves, their behaviours shift accordingly. Additionally, a recent article (Surret et al., 2024) examined how interdependence fosters pro-environmental behavior, suggesting that interventions that emphasize humans’ interdependence with the natural world may help overcome barriers to sustainable action. This directly complements the message of Universal Responsibility: recognising that what affects the Earth affects us—thus aligning our values and actions accordingly.

Other studies align with this idea. For instance, a large cross-sectional study suggests that nature contact partly mediates the link between feeling connected to nature and both well-being and conservation volunteering (Liu et al., 2022). That is, regular contact operationalizes interdependence. Across countries, self-focused value profiles correlate with climate skepticism in adolescents, underscoring why cultivating wider circles of care (universalism/collective values) supports climate engagement (Grapsas et al., 2023). Finally, educating people can work. A 2024 randomized experiment demonstrates that nature-contact environmental education enhances pro-environmental behavior, partly through changes in attitudes and perceived responsibility (Flecke et al., 2024). Education can be a beginning in schools and communities.

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