A reflection for All Saints’ Day
On All Saints’ Day, more than remembering those who are gone, we should ask ourselves whether we are worthy heirs of their legacy. What kind of world will we leave to those who come after us?
This date invites us to reflect on the essential values of humanity —and of business— and how losing them leads us toward a soulless society.
The invisible legacy of our ancestors
Every November 1st we remember those who came before us. But beyond cemeteries and flowers, this day reminds us of something deeper: the invisible heritage they left behind.
Our ancestors gave us an imperfect world, but one filled with meaning —community, work, faith, and purpose. Now it is our turn to decide whether we will strengthen that chain or break it.
The values that sustain us
At the root of every human society lie universal principles. Today, many are threatened by speed, ambition, and individualism. Recovering them is key to building a purposeful future.
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Empathy and compassion: Understanding the pain and joy of others. In business, it means leading with humanity, making conscious decisions, and creating products that improve lives.
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Honesty and truth: Without truth, there can be no trust. Transparency is not marketing; it is social justice applied to business.
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Justice and equity: Giving each person what they deserve and reducing inequality. In business, this means ensuring dignity at work, equality, and responsibility throughout the value chain.
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Responsibility: Every action leaves a mark. Measuring not only economic profit but also social and environmental impact is a moral duty.
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Solidarity: Understanding that personal wellbeing depends on collective wellbeing. A solidary company shares value, promotes decent work, and strengthens community ties.
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Respect and humility: Respect means recognizing the dignity of people and the planet. Humility is not weakness; it is maturity.
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Hope and faith: Believing that a better future is possible. In uncertain times, faith —in people, in ideas, in purpose— is the anchor that prevents us from drifting.
The value of how
For too long, companies have been defined by how much: how much they sell, how much they grow, how much they are worth. But the future belongs to those who focus on how: how they produce, how they lead, and how they create impact.
The how reflects ethics, coherence, and purpose. Growth alone is not enough —it must be done right.
A company with soul asks itself:
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Who truly benefits from what I do?
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What footprint do I leave on my employees, clients, and environment?
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Am I creating wellbeing, or merely accumulating capital?
In a world dominated by how much, focusing on how is an act of rebellion —and of hope.
Humanity as the root of impact
When “I” replaces “we,” the world grows colder. When greed overtakes empathy, society loses its soul. And when indifference becomes habit, our common fabric unravels.
There is no sustainability or real impact if we lose what makes us human. To progress is not to grow —it is to care.
Love as the synthesis of all values
Love —in its broadest form— is the origin and synthesis of all values. Love for truth, for justice, for others, for life itself.
Love turns ethics into action and compassion into commitment. To love is to care even when there is no immediate gain. It means looking at others —and at the planet— with tenderness and responsibility.
Love is also the force that can reconcile economy with life, and business with the common good.
This All Saints’ Day, let us remember that to love —truly and without calculation— remains the most revolutionary and necessary act of our time.
Because only love can sustain a world worthy of being inherited.