It is obvious that the absence of universal peace among humans is a result of humans acting contrary to the principles of systemic reality that govern the entire universe. If we were all convinced that we belong to one system we would never indulge in the self-destructive behavior that is evidenced among us. Throughout the rest of nature we observe the results of systemic living. All other species follow the principles of systemic living.
It would probably surprise you more to learn that the reason why we have been unable to reverse this self-destructive trend among us and bring lasting peace to our world is for the very same reason: acting contrary to the principles of systemic reality.
The two primary principles that we violate are found in that definition of a system that we discussed in a previous blog: "an entity that maintains its existence through the mutual interaction of its parts."
That definition of a system implies that a system's primary reason for being is to ensure its existence and it does so through the interaction of its parts. Because each of these parts is a system defined by the same reason for being, we can deduce 1) that each system is only concerned with its existence and not the existence of other systems around it and 2) that it is not within the domain of any subset of systems within a larger system to make decisions about maintaining the existence of the larger system. Interaction among the parts of a system occurs under the direction of the larger system, not because of any desire among these parts.
Within the other parts of nature these principles are obvious and they work perfectly for the benefit of these systems. Among humans, who have the unique ability to pretend, the perfect working of these systems have had the opposite effect.
Thousands of groups have been working assiduously over the millenia to bring peace to humanity. But because of the principles of systemic reality we have discussed, these self same efforts ensure that peace cannot be achieved as a result.
The principle is clear that maintenance of the existence of any system is the responsibility of the entire system. One of the parts of that system cannot decide to act on behalf of the larger system. Any such designation must originate with the entire system. Because each part of a system is also a system, any time a subset of humans embark on an effort to attain peace it is acting on behalf of itself and not on behalf of the entire species. Consequently, its efforts, though well-meaning, only serve to distinguish it from other humans and turns them into "enemies", in the same way that other species have natural enemies while still being part of this ecosystem.
There is no way to override the operation of this principle because the principles of systemic reality are not subject to alteration by humans; they were firmly established long before humans first appeared on this planet. In addition, unlike organizations that have designated leaders humanity does not have a global leader. Any decision on behalf of the species must be taken by the entire species.
Hence, the challenge before us is to find a way to change the thinking of humans so that we no longer see ourselves as individuals but as part of a single species.
A systems level discussion on Organizational Leadership and World Peace written by:
© Darius A. Lecointe, Ph.D., J.D., M.A. Join in the discussion here or through dalecointe@gmail.com
3 comments:
Perhaps I didn't get quite enough sleep last night but as I read through this my first response was to feel that humanity needs to just give up trying.
Thinking a little further, though, brought me to the question "Isn't there a drive within each of us to accomplish change in some manner?" Whether this change is driven by an altruistic desire to better the human condition, driven by rank self-interest to better one's influence, financial or political standing within the species or driven by a rebellious desire to step outside of the cultural norm, that drive seems to be pretty universal among humans. This separates us from other species whose drive is only to find sustenance and procreate; to survive.
Going back to the model of the various systems working independently within a human body, as long as each system behaves as it is supposed to the body thrives. If a system fails to function properly, the body feels the ill effects. So is not the duty of any subsystem to operate properly and according to its nature? Would this subsystem be an individual, a family or a community? Isn't making sure that each system or subsystem is working properly the way to maintain the health of the larger system?
Is an apathy towards the workings of the greater system a part of the solution?
First, to give up trying would be against our nature. Nature appears to have assigned us the responsibility of figuring this out.
The working principles of systemic reality are our challenge. You are correct that " the duty of any subsystem to operate properly and according to its nature." But, because each subsystem is a system it has to be concerned about its health, not the health of its parent system. Maintenance of the parent system is the responsibility of the entire parent system.
So, your last query is on the money. The challenge is how to eradicate this apathy without acting as if we are not in a system with the other systems that make up the greater system.
Post a Comment