Irrespective of one’s political ideology, race, or nationality, there is a common belief among the majority of the human population: we all desire a better future. We aspire to lead fulfilling lives, free from poverty, illness, unfavorable working conditions, environmental degradation, and more. We yearn for improvements beyond our current circumstances.

As a human population comes together for various purposes and forms a particular community, one inevitably encounters a recurring question during discussions: What actions can we take as a community to enhance our quality of life?

Regardless of the nature of a human community, be it religious, political, social, or even criminal, a common thread binds them all together: the question of how to improve their lives. This question resonates within every community and society, irrespective of their openness or secrecy, ethical or unethical practices, legality or illegality. It is a universal drive that compels them to seek ways to enhance the quality of their existence.

Acknowledging certain communities in articles like this, particularly those of a criminal, illegal, and unethical nature, may not sound ideal. However, for the sake of presenting an accurate depiction, it must be stated that even these communities have their own societies and seek ways to improve their lives. While it may be uncomfortable to accept this truth, we cannot ignore it simply because it contradicts our preconceived notions.

Communities and societies operate within a framework of rules, both explicit and implicit. Some rules are formally documented and registered, while others are more informal in nature. These communities also establish their own policies and often develop ideologies that are revered and upheld by their members. It is important to recognize that certain societies may exhibit more extreme tendencies than others, varying in the intensity of their beliefs or practices.

The uniqueness of human existence lies in the fact that individuals are not confined to a single society. Rather, they encompass a multitude of diverse societies within themselves. Take, for instance, an individual who identifies as a Makua by tribe, practices Christianity, engages in political activities as a member of the AVR party, pursues business endeavors, has attended three different schools, and works as an accountant. This example exemplifies how one person can belong to multiple societies simultaneously. Within this individual, there exists the Makua community, the Christian community, the accounting profession, the AVR political party, the community of businesspersons, and the network of alumni from the three schools attended. All these societal facets coexist, collectively shaping the individual into a truly multifaceted human being.

Taking this into consideration, it is crucial for individuals within any society or community to deeply comprehend that they belong to multiple societies alongside their fellow members. Acknowledging and accepting this reality can be highly beneficial, as it contributes to the constructive development of the society and fosters a comprehensive understanding of various issues within the given community.

Being a member of multiple societies poses no inherent challenges, provided that there are no conflicting ideas among them. In such cases, one can freely navigate and engage with each society without encountering difficulties. However, challenges arise when there are contrasting ideologies and practices. For instance, if you belong to a political party that upholds socialism as its core principle, you cannot simultaneously endorse the excessive accumulation of wealth, which may be celebrated in certain business communities. Similarly, if you adhere to an Abrahamic religion that deems sexual activities outside of marriage as unethical, it would be contradictory to participate in a club that promotes such practices.

In such cases, the solution may appear straightforward: if faced with conflicting ideas between the societies one belongs to, it is advisable to let go of the less favorable one. However, this decision is not always easy, as membership in certain societies can provide advantages or broader acceptance. For instance, in countries where belief in God is prevalent, even if not strictly secular, it would be disadvantageous for a politician to openly reject a particular religion, even if they personally recognize the incompatibility between their beliefs and the religious ideology. This is because the larger society (the nation) expects adherence to certain religious norms, and the politician relies on their acceptance to fulfill their political objectives. This observation emphasizes that individuals who belong to a particular society or community are not necessarily there solely for the betterment of that community. Some individuals may align themselves with certain societies or communities to pursue the goals and ideologies of other communities they are associated with.