The first three articles in this series explored how our antiquated instincts, which have not kept pace with the rapid acceleration of human achievement since the dawning of agriculture 12,000 years ago, have resulted in greater levels of stress and conflict, led us astray, and driven us apart.
I want to acknowledge the fact that this is A LOT of heavy information to absorb.
You’ve made it this far, and I appreciate you sticking with me, because this final article will introduce the beauty of collectively understanding the inherent flaws that we ALL share, and the amazing possibilities that can result from focusing on those human characteristics that bind us equally.
I’d like to begin with my favorite quote…
“Loyalty to a petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul” – Mark Twain
This quote speaks volumes because it calls attention to the fact that nothing we do as humans, none of the systems we create, none of the divisions we subject ourselves and others to, and none of the loyalties we hold, are set in stone.
Everything we create and choose to do is fluid.
National systems like Capitalism, Socialism, and Fascism are all human constructs. We use them to define economic and political types of nations. But does that mean if we don’t ascribe to one we have to adopt one of the others? Definitively(def) NO!
The “black and white” designations we give things are the limitations that we impose upon ourselves and each other: the labels, the tribes, the classes, the ‘isms,’ the prejudices, the propaganda, the fear, the greed, the subjugation, the “Win at all cost” attitudes, etc. … These are the extremes which collectively divide us.
Our antiquated instincts might be leading us astray, but they don’t have to
We could be living in a world of beauty, inclusivity, and mutual respect, but we stand in our own way by constructing physical and mental barriers that we place upon ourselves and others. And to whose gain?
The greater the balance we create for each other, the less stress and the greater our health.
It’s time for ALL OF US to be accountable.
- Just because we have systems that work, and even excel for certain members of society, does that make them right? What can we do to improve upon them?
- Just because we love someone, is it ok to support their transgressions and ignorance unconditionally? What can we do to help them on their journey rather than enable them as they lead themselves, and potentially us, down dark paths?
- Just because someone is homeless, does that make them lazy and unworthy? What about their story, their struggle? Can we exercise a little empathy(def) by comparing their stories with ours, and endeavoring to see things from their perspective?
- Just because we admire and revere leaders, does that mean we should deny their wrongdoings and prejeudices, and blindly look to them with idolizing stares as if they’re somehow more worthy? Couldn’t we be rational and agree that the best solution is to put their egos in check?
- Just because somebody’s skin color, cultural heritage, religion, or otherwise, is not the same as ours, is it ok to treat them as different or with disrespect? Might it be more rational, simple, and beautiful to recognize that we are all part of the same family of equals who have been driven apart merely by our own self-imposed devices(def)?
If we are to thrive as a people we must learn to appreciate how we’re personally impacted by false narratives that are driven by our antiquated instincts. We must simultaneously learn to leverage the beneficial attributes of our instincts.
- We should have affection without sacrificing the wellbeing of self or others, particularly those closest to us.
- We should express empathetic curiosity toward others and listen to their stories, particularly toward those who are different than us.
- We should play, laugh and joke… keeping in mind that, “while taking our humanity seriously, we should be cautious about taking life TOO seriously. That we can laugh and joke with one another, even at one another… even AT OURSELVES, while maintaining a healthy amount of respect.” - 50P’s Value #17.
- We should feel shame in our transgressions toward others and make amends where possible.
- We should deny and slander blasphemy, prejudice, self-servitude, divisive behavior, egos, greed and deceit at all turns.
- We should construct innovations that will drive us toward greater prosperity for all, in a way that considers our beautiful earth.
- We should learn to love more and hate never.
Look at this moment not as a failure, but as an opportunity to unite, and a chance to learn, innovate, and grow together.
An opportunity to start doing things differently
Moving out of sync and being uncooperative with each other creates riptides which reinforce inequity and stonewall our ability to accomplish greatness. We are fluid, and when we move together as one we can create waves of incredible change.
If we’re able to unite in a way that considers everyone, we WILL watch rates of fear, stress, anxiety, depression, mental illness, drug abuse, violence, war, greed and ego subside.
What we’ll be left with is a less complicated world, full of healthier, happier, purpose-driven, tuned-in, secure, loving people, each as equal and as deserving as the other.
We just have to come together.
Thank you as always for reading. Please feel free to share!
ALL articles in this series:
3 ways our antiquated instincts are killing us (part 1 of 4) - Intro + Fear & Stress
3 ways our antiquated instincts are killing us (part 2 of 4) - Instincts can lead us astray
3 ways our antiquated instincts are killing us (part 3 of 4) - Instincts have fractured us as a species
3 ways our antiquated instincts are killing us (part 4 of 4) - A horizon of incredible opportunity
#humanity #instinct #humaninstinct #bettertogether
🌐 PromptScroll: Where AI Meets Opportunity.