Social evolution has always been characterized by gradual development... that is, until now. Until the last two or three centuries. most of humankind lived much like their ancestors did for at least the last 10,000 years or so or since the emergence of agriculture. We now live in a mechanized connected world dominated by rapid developments in technology and communication. Social evolution has been replaced with social revolution. In this escalating complexity, human society is undergoing change our biology could scarcely prepared us for. Some say our very survival depends on how successfully we adapt.
The psychological strain of this unprecedented rate of change can not be overstated. The fact our populations increasingly struggle to cope is self-evident. Today, the fastest growing segment of the burgeoning mental health industry is the phenomenon of "pop" psychology and its companion; self-help. This product is not necessarily esteemed for its credentials as vetted theory by accomplished psychologists, anthropologists, ethologists or neuroscientists but for their widespread reception by the general population. It is often tailored to appeal directly to the prevailing "common sense" aesthetic of its intended target audience.
Self-help is not always incontrovertibly without value... but caution is advised. Unchecked, some consumers find themselves running from one popularized concept to the next in a desperate search to find that single silver bullet to right everything wrong in their lives... often in a near addictive state. However, considered and consumed in a thoughtful manner, some of this material can enhance our understanding and enlighten our perspective.
Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) is a nonprofit dedicated to "Ideas Worth Spreading." This past June, author Karen Armstrong made her TED prize wish known: The Charter for Compassion. It has already been affirmed by tens of thousands including His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, His Eminence Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the esteemed Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr and many many others.
I've long thought of Karen Armstrong as a sort of religious anthropologist; combining spirituality, history and human psychology. Her book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, is proving to be very thought provoking. It presents a stunning fact based argument supporting the biological evolution of compassion and human altruism. But more importantly, it focuses attention on the widening psychological disparity plaguing modern society in the 21st century.
As a solution, Ms, Armstrong suggests a concerted effort to advance the principles of compassion. She speaks of a collective exploration to achieve a higher level of compassion beyond the generally passable, every day expectation of today.
While the steps outlined seem somewhat obvious and even cliché, I am impressed with her sense of urgency. It compels me to look more closely at what she is proposing. Sometimes the best solutions are the most straightforward... even in a complex world. Cliché or not, I see value in her idea and the necessity for practice.
It may be too idealistic to hope for but lasting change is rarely immediate. Any transformation, even on a personal level, would be promising. I have no doubt I will walk away from this experience a little changed.
