Tuesday, April 4, 2006
“NEW RULES” Lately I have been reflecting on the world conditions. I wonder if things are worse now than in previous historical times, or if there is just more media. I wonder about how I would feel about bringing children into the world if that was a situation I was facing. I look at people who act on that biological “imperative” and wonder how they move forward in the face of media reports. The thoughts of global warming, terrorist attack, nuclear incident, and pandemic surely dampen people paying attention. The flip side of resignation and gloom brings up the call to look for answers, solutions and resolutions to the mess we’re in. What follows is my “painting with a very broad brush” idea for moving us from where we are to the other side. What’s surely needed is a set of proscriptive mantras that global citizens can agree to as guides for evaluating actions we take. I hope you find them useful. About ten years ago I worked with a gentleman who had a very interesting background. He was a lawyer and accountant by professional training who had spent the last twenty-five years of his life as an Episcopal Priest. In the midst of a spontaneous excited utterance he asked if I had any explanation for his observation that religious differences have historically lead to war while business or commercial differences often end up with a new agreement. For me his observation brought into clear relief the need to re-examine the role major religious institutions have historically played, and that it’s time for a new paradigm of thinking. As I write I am mindful of the news reports from Afghanastan about the man charged with a capital crime for converting to > The charges were pending despite a provision in the new Afghan constitution guaranteeing religious freedom > Clerics, religious leaders, ostensibly men of God, were calling for his death To quote eminent authority, Bill Maher, “it’s time for some New Rules!” It seems to me that a great deal of our moral guidance has come from religion. Leaders of the varied religious communities would debate, but I believe the similarities in the proscriptive admonitions of religions is a historical reflection of the moment the message of the particular "God" was transmitted through some human medium. I submit that the context we are living in today, 2006, is vastly different from what existed at the time the original messages were sent. I think that to survive as a species we might consider the following “New Rules” as essential for all citizens of “experiment earth” to follow, lest we end up as just another layer in the archeological record. I think we are at choice point - embrace a new way of being toward each other or perish. My suggestions as a starting point are sharedhere for the first time. They are not new, they are a work in progress I would like to see embraced. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions for mass distribution. 10 Sugesstions: “New Rules” for Modern Times 1. MIRACLES ABOUND: OBSERVE, ENJOY, AMAZEMENT ABOUNDS - The process of nature and human life is something we often take for granted; it is time to honor the fact that the living process is quite miraculous. 2. CONQUER INNER SPACE: THE NEW WEST - We have essentially conquered the physical space of earth, now it is time to conquer our inner space. This next evolution is critical in terms of our ability to inhabit the planet in harmony with ourselves and nature. 3. EVERYBODY WINS: WIN / WIN IS ESSENTIAL – There is no longer time for win/lose; the only worthwhile game to play is one in which everyone wins. First we need to develop the belief system that enables that possibility. 4. PEOPLE FIRST: HONOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS - We are all sacred. 5. COLLABORATE: WORK WITH, NOT AAGAINS – COOPERATION IS EVERYTHING - Recognize that we are more alike than different and at some fundamental level most humans want similar things. 6. CULTIVATE PRESENCE IN YOURSELF AND OTHERS: BE ALL YOU CAN BE- It is time to put the foundation in place that enables this to happen globally. We have the resources and knowledge that will enable this. This will move people from resignation and desperation, and towards hopefulness and generativity. 7. HONOR THY FATHER, MOTHER, CHILDREN: ENJOY THE SACREDNESS OF HUMAN LIFE - Humberto Maturana, a noted Chilean biologist says that compassion and love are built into human the biology. I agree. 8. REVERENCE FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE: WE LIVE IN THE GARDEN - This may be the hereafter, the paradise we seek. Given the technology we have it might get close to the ideal. The songwriter James Taylor says in "Up Er Mei" We were walking in paradise, never did notice Blind in the Buddha land, looking for solace We could never have guessed, We were already blessed There we were, where we are, in the Garden. 9. SHARE THE ABUNDABCE: MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE - We have a distribution challenge, we have more than enough resources, it is a challenge getting them to the right place. 10. COMMUNICATE FIRST: CONVERSATION EMPOWERS CREATIVITY - We all need to be talking to each other so that the solutions to the challenges we face can be created and discovered from a shared collaborative context. I think that if we are to survive, even thrive, we need to cultivate a wisdom society. We can't legislate everything. It's time to take care of the people and places around you. In terms of relativism vs. absolute I am reminded of the caution of the following sage advice: "Rules are made for the guidance of wise people and the adherence of fools!" That said, we need “New Rules” and we need to remember the wisdom of Albert Einstein who suggested that the thinking that created the problems and challenges we face will not be the thinking that gets us to the solutions. Thank you for your thoughts. Copyright 2006 Stewart L. Levine
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Stewart@ResolutionWorks.com | www.ResolutionWorks.com Stewart Levine |
