The Current Discussion: The mood at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year was decidedly gloomy, which seems a fair reflection of economic conditions. Let's look forward: tell us what the bright spots might be in the world economy this time next year.

"Gloomy" sounds better than "dark" or "hopeless." In my opinion, the world economy, even if it is in chaotic condition, is still functioning; the problem is that the world morality is extinct. In that sense, we have a chicken-and-egg dilemma: banks and financial institutions do not trust people; people do not trust them, either. Government does not trust people; people do not trust government, either. Certain countries do not trust other countries; naturally, those countries stop trusting them back. People don't trust other people... you get the idea.

Re-creating that kind of trust, even on a small scale, would be a bright spot indeed. Then, people having problems with their monthly payments would go to the banks and related offices first. I think any banker and clerk would appreciate such a gesture. Someone who cannot pay now but is ready to do everything to set himself aright is a better client and citizen than those who simply do not care.

All in all, confidence is a more precious currency than the Euro, dollar, or yen. It has a much higher value than gold or platinum. The best possible news would be that we can produce this "currency" by improving our personal and societal character. People of the world, why don't we give it a try? What do we have to lose?