...We have reached the stage in human evolution where the products of the uniquely human mind, including socially constructed cultural factors, must assume the dominant role. The creation of a grand myth for global survival is a purposeful act of social engineering. And while this might seem a daunting task, is it really that qualitatively different from the social engineering that so effectively entrenched the expansionist globalization model around the world?
Once again we must shift our values consciously, but this time away from the narrow focus on individualism, self-interest, competitive relationships, toward a greater emphasis on community/societal values, cooperative institutions, and a sense of participating consciousness in nature.
Certainly humans have all of the qualities necessary in their behavioural kitbag - we can love, we are compassionate, we can show empathy for other people and even other species. Of course, some people are better at these things than others, but these are the human qualities that we must draw out in our schools and universities, in government and the private sector.
It
is a matter of deliberate social choice whether we stress
in all our cultural institutions the darker colours of the
human behavioural spectrum or emphasize the brighter shades.
The point is that the sustainability crisis may be humanity's
final opportunity to rise above mere animal instincts. Can
we not elevate the qualities that make H. sapiens truly unique
to a primary place in determining our species future?
If we succeed, the victory will mark the next great adaptive
leap forward in human evolution.
Final
paragraphs of:
IS HUMANITY FATALLY SUCCESSFUL?
William E. Rees
Former
Director, School of Community and Regional Planning
University of British Columbia
This paper is based
on a lecture delivered by the author to The Vancouver Institute
on March 15, 2003.
JBAPA, Vol. 30-31, 2002-03
http://www.scarp.ubc.ca/rees%20Is%20Humanity%20Fatally%20Successful.pdf