I’m standing here at one of the most awe-inspiring structures in the world, the Sagrada Familia, and I’m struck by the sheer artistry and devotion that has gone into building it. My friend and I have traveled widely—he’s been to New York, Massachusetts, and many other places around the world. Yet, among all those travels, he says the Sagrada Familia is one of the first structures that has ever truly fascinated him, and I feel the same.
This monumental basilica in Barcelona is not a product of AI, 3D printing, or modern technology. It is purely human intelligence, commitment, and an enduring dedication to detail and vision. This structure embodies devotion and speaks to what can be achieved with meticulous focus and a shared purpose. The Sagrada Familia didn’t just spring up overnight; it took years of patient work, countless hands, and no doubt, significant sacrifices along the way. Imagine the dangers involved in constructing something of this scale without cranes—only scaffolding.
This brings to mind a profound principle that was highlighted in the biblical account of the Tower of Babel: when people are united with one speech and one purpose, “nothing will be impossible for them.” Here, “one language” signifies more than just dialect; it represents shared motivation and conviction. When we look around the world, we see examples of societies unified through a single language or cultural identity, often achieved only after historical struggles.
In Nigeria, we have English, yet it’s not a natural, unifying language. Some argue that without a common language, achieving true unity is challenging. Here in Spain, this region—Catalonia—has its own dialect, and there has been strong agitation for independence. However, nations that hold different dialects, like Switzerland, where they speak French, German, and Italian, can still find common ground. Dialects or languages alone don’t make or break unity; rather, it’s the shared philosophy, conviction, and collective identity that matter most.
Capitalism, for instance, speaks one language worldwide, and that language is productivity and the exchange of value. Money itself has a universal language because it represents service, productivity, and the values we bring to others. What unifies people is not just their language but their shared belief, their determination, and their readiness to commit to a common purpose.
Standing here, I am reminded that, while a shared language can make things easier, it is ultimately a shared philosophy, like the one that built the Sagrada Familia, that holds the power to create something truly remarkable. It’s the conviction that keeps us building, dreaming, and aiming for greater things, no matter the language we speak.
