The Conscience of the World
Paths to a peaceful Future

"When you are on the plane, if you pray, then you are doing this for God. As the almighty prophet says, an act dedicated to God is better than the whole world."
--from 9-11 mass-murderer Atta's note

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
--The Golden Rule

The attack on the World Trade Center in New York left in its wake nearly 2600 victims. This unbelievable event put, as the saying goes, the fear of God in everyone who watched it. The perpetrators in fact were convinced that God was with them on that day.

For years now, American fundamentalists have also killed in the name of religion. They have murdered numerous physicians who perform abortions. As on September 11, these people, too, have allegedly fought for their beliefs, for a life of positive values. These values are defined on one side by the Quran and on the other side by the Bible.

Religion continues to serve as a justification for murder and destruction. And yet, "do not kill, do not lie, do not steal, do not commit adultery, respect your elders and love your children" are the five commandments for mankind which all religions share: a minimal, ethical foundation, that makes it possible for people to live together in harmony.

Where can we look to evaluate ourselves, what regulations can guide us, or in crucial moments, give us restraint? Even the Dalai Lama is struggling to remain true to his own religion, exploring spirituality only through traditional Buddhist rituals.

In this film project, we follow the trail of the worlds' great religions in search of examples of a global ethic. As if on an expedition, we are searching for people from different cultures who make their ethics a way of life. The final product will be a documentation and illustration of a universal, fundamental ethic and shed light on the question, if the World Ethos Project will gain sufficient real-life power to effect change.