Here is a pessimistic supposition. It is dangerous and inherently divisive. It ignores the spectrum of phenotype:
We will ultimately lose. The Art of War fails us because we are not in conflict with rational actors. And any Batman will tell you, the Joker persists because he is irrational incarnate. Not because he’s stronger, or smarter, or more devoted. It’s just because you cannot reason with him. There is no “logical” course of action against him, because he does not operate under such terms.
“We” have more active and curious inner dialogs. We are more critical of our perceptions of reality. We recognize our biases. We empathize with the plight of others, even if they are different from us. We are willing to accept that we are wrong when we are shown to be clearly wrong. We feel responsible. We adapt to new conditions. We apologize sincerely. And our instinct is to solve the problem, not find blame for it, or pass it off to someone else. We are uncertain. And filled with self-doubt. Because, what if we are wrong? Think of the millions, and the generations who depend on us being right.
“They” might have once had an inner dialog, but that has long ago ended. It’s now just a drumbeat. They are no longer critical of their perceptions of reality. They focus all of their critical thinking on those who are wrong because they think differently than them. They accept they are biased. They don’t care that they’re biased. Because their bias tells them they are right. And what else could possibly matter? All salient data has been gathered and assessed, and there is nothing more to consider on the matter. And, oh yeah, they don’t even actually think that way because they lack the mental capacity to understand that their position may be lacking critical information, or simply lacking empathy for the other. They don’t have the capacity to care either way. They don’t want to adapt. They don’t think they need to apologize. They feel victimized. They don’t want to solve problems. And they doubt none of this. They are certain they are right. Besides, who cares? And what does it matter?
These are the terms. I don't know which is which. How does humanity overcome?
Comments