On MIT Predicting Society’s Collapse in 2040
The civilization we should aim for is one that could prevent the predicted collapse, and it is built on universal love, interconnection and mutual assistance. However, achieving such a state in human society requires acknowledging the flaws in our current civilization, that we relate to each other with an egoistic and divisive mindset instead of upgrading our relations to positively connect above our egos. Our challenge lies in exposing these flaws in our present way of life.
We must recognize the flaws of our egoistic attitudes in an increasingly interdependent world in either a positive or negative manner: either through blows of suffering that will eventually lead us to a positive state, or by revealing a path that will let us progress to a better world without having to experience the blows.
We must recognize the flaws of our egoistic attitudes in an increasingly interdependent world in either a positive or negative manner: either through blows of suffering that will eventually lead us to a positive state, or by revealing a path that will let us progress to a better world without having to experience the blows.
Given the current state of humanity’s competitive, materialistic and individualistic way of life, it appears that we will have to develop through suffering. It now seems unlikely that humanity can recognize or understand this. Each person must first acknowledge the flaws in their inherent egoistic nature, and we can then begin a correction process where we each focus on self-transformation rather than trying to correct others.
Ideally, we hope to avoid significant blows, but the overall trend suggests otherwise. Our current path prioritizes individual success at the expense of others, leading to exploitation, manipulation and abuse of all kinds. This trajectory should make us realize that we are enemies of each other, and likewise, we are also enemies of ourselves. The true enemy is not external but resides within. It is crucial to bring humanity to this realization as soon as possible.
Self-transformation and self-correction are necessary for a future where love and goodness triumph over evil. In a world filled with relations of love and mutual care, people will abandon unnecessary work, enjoy leisure activities and care for their families. They will find joy in simple pleasures like walks in the park, listening to birds singing and relating positively to each other, being able to stop, greet and talk pleasantly at length with anyone.
Self-transformation and self-correction are necessary for a future where love and goodness triumph over evil. In a world filled with relations of love and mutual care, people will abandon unnecessary work, enjoy leisure activities and care for their families. They will find joy in simple pleasures like walks in the park, listening to birds singing and relating positively to each other, being able to stop, greet and talk pleasantly at length with anyone. This vision, while some might find it ideal, can also be considered naive. In reality, we understand our lives as involving struggles over resources, territory and the like. But if we accept the direction to a civilization guided by principles of love and mutual consideration, then we will find plenty of struggles in the fact that we try to create and achieve a harmonious outcome together.
In a civilization with love and positive connection as its leading principles, the struggle will shift toward how to demonstrate more and more love for others. This will indeed be challenging. We can expect myriad dramas alongside joy and love. Dramas are an integral part of life, but ultimately, we will strive for mutual love and positive connection as our primary goal. We will then feel ourselves moving closer and closer to such a goal the more we value others over ourselves, and despite the challenges, we will experience a life of harmony, peace and happiness increasingly widen ahead of us.