On the surface, our society may appear prosperous and advanced. However, when we take a closer look, we can see the many children suffering within it. Abuse, poverty, educational inequality, war, and environmental problems—these are just a few of the harsh realities children face. Every time I confront these issues, I can’t help but ask, “Why must so many children suffer?”

In this article, I want to explore the causes of this situation using the keyword “the ugliness of humanity.” While this phrase may sound harsh, I believe it is necessary to use strong words to truly reflect on the problems we are facing and to begin addressing them.

What Is the Ugliness of Humanity?
What lies behind the convenience and comfort we pursue every day? It is our fixation on short-term desires and self-interest—the “ugliness of humanity.” Of course, not every person acts with malice. However, it is a fact that corporate profit-seeking and individual consumption behaviors, whether consciously or not, have a profound impact on the vulnerable, particularly children.

For example, excessive consumption puts strain on the environment, which in turn affects future generations. The problems of poverty and inequality are also products of our economic systems, which ultimately place children in jeopardy.

A Social Structure That Causes Children to Suffer
We must face the reality that the social system we consider “normal” is not actually protecting children. Issues like educational inequality and inadequate welfare services deprive many children of fair opportunities. In our society, these realities are often overlooked, allowing the problems to worsen.

Why can’t we solve these issues? The answer lies in our tendency to prioritize personal gain and comfort. It may be human nature to cling to self-interest, making it difficult for us to think seriously about the well-being of society as a whole and future generations. But if we don’t change this, the suffering of children will never end.

What We Can Do: Empathy and Action
The important thing is not just to criticize “the ugliness of humanity” but to think about what we can do to overcome it. There are many actions we can take to protect the future of children.

First, it’s essential to reevaluate our consumption habits and lifestyles and choose options that do not burden future generations. By adopting environmentally-conscious lifestyles and taking steps toward a sustainable society, we can make the future a little better.

It’s also important to speak out against social inequalities and disparities. Indifference to the current situation only worsens the suffering of children. To create a society where everyone has equal opportunities, we must raise our voices and call for change.

A Proposal as a Practitioner of Parallel Life
As someone who practices parallel life, I have come to realize that “how we live our own lives” is key to shaping the future. By making small changes in our daily choices, we can have a significant impact on the next generation.

For example, making donations or volunteering for causes that support children is one way to contribute. Another is to be more aware of the issues children face in everyday life and to spread this awareness to those around us. Even small actions like these can gradually bring about social change.

Through this blog, I want to continue exploring what we can do to protect the future of children and put those ideas into practice. I hope that this article will resonate with many people and be widely shared so that more of us can begin to act, overcoming “the ugliness of humanity” to create a better future.

Conclusion
A society that continues to allow children to suffer is abnormal. However, the power to change that lies within each of us. By recognizing the “ugliness of humanity” and taking action to overcome it, we can protect the future of children. We all share that responsibility.

I hope that this message reaches many people, that the circle of empathy grows, and that this becomes the first step toward building a new future for children. Please share this message, and let’s act together.