Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has cast doubt on the value of virtual communication in her traditional Christmas Day speech to the nation.
Referring to the Christian precept "love thy neighbour", she wondered if, in our individualistic society, we still know who our neighbours are and if we are still pepared to listen to one another.
Queen Beatrix argued that while modern means of communication appear to bring people closer together in fact they create distance, with people venting their own emotions in quick-fire messages in the cocoon of online anonymity.
The Queen expressed concern at the lack of collective spirit and spoke of an emptiness that no amount of virtual encounters can fill. She pointed to connecting the individual with the community as one of the greatest challenges we face, especially in times of crisis.
Queen Beatrix gives her Christmas speech (photo: NOS)
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The Queen is right in a way, but human relationships are very complex. Persons in genuine contact may not be close, and some persons in virtual contact maybe genuine and close. It is all about meeting of minds, hearts and souls for which no distance is great and no medium an obstacle!
Brava, your Majesty. And Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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