The following is a Herculean attempt to understand humanity as it stands, and to chart out a path to save it. Over time I will add and adapt this philosophy, and I invite you to comment and critique it.
The Realist Manifesto
A pragmatic approach to the world
Marvin Gaye had it right when he crooned three simple words, in response to the growing anxiety American society faced in the early 1970s. "What's Going On?" can equally applied to the situation that we find ourselves in. Half of the world's population are under the age of 25 - that's 3.3 billion young men and women, nervous at what the future holds.
Like any sound philosophy, before we peer into the crystal ball, let me propose some undeniable truths:
Lack of resources : Power centres : Divisions : Fear : Destruction
This cycle of violence can only be sustained for so long.
We need to address the inequalities that arise from each stage. Doing so means wholly embracing each fundamental axiom I listed above. And like the phoenix rising from the ashes, an alternative holistic system will take shape, one that would hopefully result in a collective consciousness that has evolved beyond our current state.
The Realist Manifesto
A pragmatic approach to the world
Marvin Gaye had it right when he crooned three simple words, in response to the growing anxiety American society faced in the early 1970s. "What's Going On?" can equally applied to the situation that we find ourselves in. Half of the world's population are under the age of 25 - that's 3.3 billion young men and women, nervous at what the future holds.
Like any sound philosophy, before we peer into the crystal ball, let me propose some undeniable truths:
1. At our current rate of consumption, the planet will not be able to sustain itself.The origins of every problem plaguing humanity can be traced to the negation of at least one of these principles. Conflicts arise when basic needs and resources are unevenly distributed or hoarded by a select few; tension and strife are natural reactions when our appetites remain unsatisfied. Power traditionally rests in the hands who control information: chieftains, monarchs, governments; the temptation for abuse leads to corruption and distrust. Human beings are a social animal - we strive for interaction and are remorseful when left alone for too long; separation, isolation and denial fuel desire's flames. Distrust is bred on a diet of perceived differences - skin colour, religious beliefs, social status; when exploited, this fear drives man to commit atrocities on unimaginable scales.
2. Information is the most prized and valued commodity.
3. Collaboration at all levels is necessary for success and shared prosperity.
4. Our diversity needs to be celebrated.
Lack of resources : Power centres : Divisions : Fear : Destruction
This cycle of violence can only be sustained for so long.
We need to address the inequalities that arise from each stage. Doing so means wholly embracing each fundamental axiom I listed above. And like the phoenix rising from the ashes, an alternative holistic system will take shape, one that would hopefully result in a collective consciousness that has evolved beyond our current state.
3 comments:
thanks Nick.
hey I feel like items 2, 3 an 4 need to be further articulated, mostly because bigotry, protectionism and the pretense that allows for shared prosperity and diversity hinges on a mutual appreciation and respect of people's individualized or groups individualized narritives...
to that end I feel like the definition of the terms here is critical. we can see in modern democratic versions that attempts to give some sort of creedence to items 3 and 4, yet are fundimentally wrong.
generally I'm with you... and I'm thankful for your thoughts...
ruben - good points:
#2 stems from the trend that we're seeing online where people are putting up loads of information for marketers to use/exploit - see Facebook as a prime example. We are now valuing what we know more than what we own.
#3 and #4 need to be acknowledged from the start, and not after the fact. See the US Bill of Rights, and the Civil Rights/Voting Rights Act - a span of 200 odd years. Why? I know the answers, so I definitely will be expanding on these terms in future posts...
I like your four points but I'd like to know how you came to choosing them. 'Our diversity needs to be celebrated' doesn't seem like a truth to me. Some could argue and say that it already is being celebrated and has always been growing. I think you need to be more clear with that point. Are you talking about culture? Or are you talking about beliefs? And what do you mean by celebrate? Have more festivals? Or stop war? Maybe you mean it in a very broad sense, which might be a good thing.
I also like your 'alternative holistic system' prediction but I'd take out 'hopefully' and make it more direct, like 'will' and 'must' since you are stating 4 truths.
I'm interested to read more.
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