Creating portraits of the cultures of countries in the holistic sense to enhance well-being and come to grips with the world’s most difficult problems

Abstract

The article explores the significance of portraying the holistic cultures of nations as a pathway to addressing the world’s complex problems and fostering human well-being. While culture is often narrowly defined through arts, humanities, and history, the paper emphasizes a broader, holistic perspective, viewing cultures as “complex wholes” or “total ways of life.” This comprehensive approach incorporates values, traditions, customs, symbols, and the dynamic interrelations among their elements. Using symbolic representations, such as iconic architecture or artistic works, the article argues for their profound ability to capture the essence of cultures, as illustrated by examples like the Eiffel Tower for France or Gandhi’s use of homespun cloth in India.
It is highlighted the potential of cultural symbols to inspire unity and understanding amid global challenges like environmental crises, economic inequality, and social tensions in the article. Furthermore, it is shown the importance of transitioning from an economically driven worldview to a culturally enriched one, prioritizing harmony between material and spiritual values. Through the lens of specific case studies, including Spain's cultural depth, the article illuminates how nations can leverage arts, heritage, and collective cultural identity to shape more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societies. This transformative vision emphasizes the role of governments, corporations, educational institutions, and individuals in cultivating cultures for a more harmonious global future.