Positing that post-scarcity is a true catalyst for global pacification, prospenomics is based on the premise that overcoming resource limitations will instill "behavioral plasticity" in humanity, diminishing biological and evolutionary instincts for human conflict. This creates a conducive environment for international cooperation and the promotion of peace and prosperity.
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Acknowledging our biological heritage, we understand that clan formation generates a "us against them" dynamic – Thomas Hobbes' bellum omnium contra omnes. Hobbes' political philosophy, encapsulated in the expression "war of all against all," is deeply rooted in the belief that humans possess a bellicose and conflict-prone nature. In his seminal work "Leviathan," Hobbes describes a state of nature where the absence of a centralizing power leads to fierce competition, with each individual pursuing their interests at the expense of others.
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| LIFE magazine whose cover story is the Prospenomics study - covers that never was |
The metaphor of "Leviathan," a monstrous figure mentioned in the Bible, represents the need for a powerful and centralized force to subdue the conflict-prone nature of humans. To avoid the chaos and anarchy inherent in the war of all against all, the emergence of a sovereign authority stronger and capable of imposing order on individuals is imperative.
Hobbes' conception is intrinsically linked to the idea of the "social contract." He proposes that, to escape the chaotic state of nature, individuals tacitly agree to relinquish part of their freedom and power to a central authority in exchange for security and social order. This agreement forms the basis of the social contract, wherein citizens give up certain rights in favor of a sovereign authority, creating a pact aimed at maintaining peace and social stability.
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| Poster for the film Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes - ads for films that never was |
Hobbes' "Leviathan" is not only a feared figure but also a social organizing agent representing the authority of the State. Its coercive power is necessary to keep the selfish and belligerent impulses of individuals in check. Could this force be rooted in our own consciousness?
The First Time We Saved the Planet
The ozone layer, a thin and crucial atmospheric structure formed over ancient eras, shaped by the delicate balance of life since the planet's creation, plays a vital role in absorbing most harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on Earth. Without this thin protective layer, life would be impossible on Earth.
However, the balance of this delicate shield was threatened when, in the 1950s, scientists discovered a class of substances – chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – being artificially generated and released by humans. Widely used in consumer products such as aerosols, refrigerants in refrigerators, and air conditioning systems.
In the 1970s, two scientists from the University of California Irvine, Mario Molina and Sherwood Rowland, asked, "What happens to gas particles released into the atmosphere after leaking from air conditioners?" and "What will happen to the enormous amount of gases released by rockets at the beginning of the space exploration era?"
Molina, in particular, questioned the fate of freon particles released into the atmosphere and their impact on the ozone layer when he made a terrifying discovery – the ozone layer providing protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation was being decimated by CFCs.
This led to global awareness of the damage caused by CFCs and triggered an unprecedented mobilization campaign. The realization that the destruction of the ozone layer could result in a global catastrophe, endangering life on Earth, transcending borders and cultural differences, propelled international cooperation.
In 1987, the global community took a significant step with the signing of the Montreal Protocol, not only signed but also faithfully adhered to by all human inhabitants of the planet, regardless of their race, culture, and political orientation.
This international agreement aimed to gradually reduce and eliminate the use of substances that destroy the ozone layer, including CFCs. The mobilization to reverse the damage to the ozone layer became a global priority, with the unprecedented participation of virtually all countries in the world.
The successful social mobilization campaign resulted in the gradual elimination of CFCs, a remarkable story of how awareness, collective action, and international cooperation can tackle the most complex and significant challenges.
How Will We Mobilize for Prosperity in Such a Divided World
Samuel Huntington's book "Clash of Civilizations" highlights the profound division existing in the world, fueled by civilizational conflicts that separate us from each other. This fragmentation not only threatens our lives but also jeopardizes life as a whole on the planet. Faced with this scenario, the crucial question arises: How will we mobilize to achieve prosperity in such a divided world?
Primatologist Robert Sapolsky, providing an in-depth view of human social dynamics, emphasizes that human conflicts have roots in biological factors, such as brain chemistry and hormonal patterns. He identifies four social reasons for belligerence: competition for resources, group selection, establishment of social hierarchy, and reproductive rituals. This thorough analysis reveals the underlying forces of human conflicts, providing crucial insights.
Sapolsky highlights the plasticity of human behavior, emphasizing that, although there are biological predispositions to aggression, the environment and life experiences play crucial roles in the manifestation of these predispositions. In other words, the more a man lives in a prosperous environment, with adequate food, territory and protection from the elements, with a resolved and active sexual life, among trusted friends and a healthy social life, he is able to eliminate all primatological impulses of aggression, part of your original biological programming.
This complex understanding reinforces the need for a holistic approach to dealing with issues of conflict and cooperation, considering multiple factors.
As we become aware of these weaknesses, similar to the successful social mobilization against the use of CFCs, we can pave the way for global prosperity. Recognizing and understanding the biological roots of human conflicts empowers us to develop strategies that promote global cooperation, overcoming divisions, and building a more prosperous future for all of humanity.
But as We Become Aware of Our Nature, We Must Adopt Prospenomic Attitudes and Reach the Post-Scarcity Stage
As our awareness of our nature deepens, it becomes evident that mere consciousness of our bellum omnium contra omnes posture is not enough; it is essential to adopt prospenomic attitudes and reach the post-scarcity stage.
Prospenomics, grounded in the premise that overcoming resource limitations catalyzes global pacification, combined with the plasticity of behavior in the face of awareness of our belligerence, reducing biological and evolutionary instincts that lead to conflicts and wars, this approach not only provides a conducive environment for international cooperation but also promotes feelings of peace and prosperity.
Samuel Huntington, in his book "Clash of Civilizations," points out that the rapid economic development in Southwest Asia in the 1990s initially brought optimism to the world, aligning with the idea that on a planet with more efficient resource use, the likelihood of achieving peace and prosperity increases, and the feeling of animosity and belligerence decreases.
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| OMNI magazine whose cover story is the Prospenomics study - covers that never was |
However, regrettably, the book indicates that this optimistic expectation did not materialize as expected. The reason for this outcome is related to social reasons intrinsic to our human nature, as discussed by Huntington in his work.
Towards Post-Scarcity and Planetary Prosperity
Analyzing the economic mistakes that brought us to the current situation and correcting our attitudes toward a more prosperous planet is what we must do.
Avoiding the mistakes of liberalism, which fails to distribute wealth, and socialism, which falters in generating wealth to be shared, puts us on the path to a more prosperous and equitable planet.
Valuing and respecting civilizations for what they are, encouraging peaceful coexistence towards planetary prosperity, plays well into the role earned by Homo sapiens as the protagonist of the planet, responsible for the well-being of Earth and all species in balance, ensuring a full and healthy planetary evolution. This is our role.
