Commonwealth Policy Center

In 1908, the Times of London asked readers to respond to the question what is wrong with the world? They published responses from prominent authors and thinkers. But one of the responses caught everyone off guard. British author and philosopher GK Chesterton said this in response: “Dear Sir, Regarding your article ‘What is wrong with the world?’ I am. Yours truly, G. K. Chesterton.” He understood the doctrine of original sin and that it taints all of us. It’s unusual for an intellectual to embrace Christian orthodoxy and admit to their own sinfulness. Yet, it’s a refreshing word in a day marked by blame shifting and finger pointing. If you’re ever asked what’s wrong with the world, begin by looking at yourself, and ask what you can do to make the world a better place.