We need to solve all of our problems at the levels of worldview, identity, relationship and culture.
Worldview and the Process of Cultural Evolution
The Emergence of Worldview 3.0
Worldview is a collection of attitudes, values, stories and expectations about the world around us, which inform our every thought and action. Worldview is expressed in ethics, religion, philosophy, scientific beliefs and so on.
It has been said that Worldview 1.0 was when our ancestors lived in harmony with nature, before the formation of what are called nation-states. At this time, homo sapiens saw them selves embedded in the natural realm, and "Nature was magical."
Somewhere around 1000 years ago, or maybe sooner, we began to give up the concept that "We are One" and started seeing separateness in our communities. We could call this Worldview 2.0. The foundation of this concept could be summarized by the statement, "We are separate."
Now, the time has come for us to RETURN to wholeness. With our image of earth from space, the beautiful images of the universe from the Hubble and Webb telescopes, and the understandings that everything is connected with everything else, we are emerging Worldview 3.0. The summary phrases for this new paradigm are that
"All is One" means that everything, everywhere is in relationship with everything else regardless of distance or time. Nothing is independent.
Everything is interdependent. Everything matters. And, I matter, meaning my behavior and even my thoughts are felt by the Cosmos.
All is One and Worldview 3.0 are the foundation for a creative new unitive myth for the human.
Worldview is determinative when it comes to the evolution of culture because the way we "see" things sets up a sequence of other perceptual events, which eventually produce specific outcomes.
If the worldview is that everything is disconnected, then the thinking that follows is that "I don't matter," and that my actions also do not matter. From this point of view, behaviors will be self-centered, irresponsible and destructive.
If, on the other hand, the worldview is that everything is interconnected, as is expressed by the statement, "All is One," then a radically different set of events occurs. The thinking is that "I do matter." Everything I do has an effect. From that, the behavior is responsible, inclusive and benevolent. The outcomes are then peaceful, creative, and, ultimately, hopefully, the emergence of a global community with a culture that works for the benefit of all life.