Human
Programming and Conflict: Part II — The Role of Myths
Continued
from April: Read
Part I— Instincts, Imprints and Filters
What are the sources conditioning human psychology and shaping
current events? How may humanity change direction so that we
resolve our conflicts and shape a healthy and peaceful future?
We
feel that the solutions to world problems are based upon human
beings finding common ground and working together cooperatively.
There exist many bases for realizing that all people share a
common ground for cooperation. For example:
the scientific research finding that we are 99.99% the same
genetically, the fact that
we all inhabit the same planet, share the same air and water,
the universality of the
moral code of the Golden
Rule, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the law of equilibrium that governs a healthy environment,
a healthy economy, healthy relationships, a healthy body and
is the foundation of a healthy judicial system and healthy
scientific pursuits. Why is it so hard to realize our common
interests and work together to achieve them?
Observance
of these
natural and man-made laws will not permit individuals and governments
to continue to interfere with their beneficial purpose, immune
from the consequences. We now experience an immanent threat
to biological and social survival. At the same time a common
human destiny is sensed by broader and broader segments of
society. History is reaching the tipping point between hope
and despair. The solutions to world problems are well known.
What is preventing the will to cooperate and solve them?
Human
beings need to break with the psychological programming conditioning
and perpetuating anti-survival behavior. This programming is
made of the secular and religious myths that have served human
survival in co-existing but insular societies throughout history.
These myths need to be replaced by a consciousness fitting to
current and future needs of global well-being. Myths enslave
thinking and force people to act against natural laws and be
manipulated by symbols and charismatic leaders. They even justify
behavior that violates the goodwill inherent in human nature.
Myths
become obstacles to progress when they fossilize the human
consciousness and prevent adaptation to new realities. Although
they may serve to educate the populace about life at a certain
time, people are still responsible to apply their knowledge
without the constraints of inflexible dogma. Myths are metaphores
that need to continue to grow and expand with the growth and
expansion of human consciousness.
The
predominant myths reflect worldviews underlying national identity
and theories of government. They shape human expectations
and relationships. They co-exist throughout the planet in various
forms, but they also coincide with the historic evolution of
civilizations. Worldviews tend to fall into the following categories:
- Fear of nature
- Child of nature
- Chosen people or chosen leader
- Survival of the fittest
- Government of God via religion
- Government of law via reason
- Government as guardian of individual rights and interests
- Government as guardian of the common good
- Government as a mechanism controlled by science and economics
The
power of past myths is suppressing the requirements of survival
inherent in the very fabric of life. We call people obsessed,
addicted or insane when they are a threat to themselves or
others, driven by passions of anger, fear, greed, hopelessness,
superiority, self-righteousness, and lust. Why do we allow the
policies of many of our most powerful leaders to jeopardize
life on our planet?
Past
myths based on the above worldviews are still the basis of
human psychology and government, and determine the methods
used to deal with world events. Even when a myth seems reasonable
for survival, those who act from the viewpoint of the myth
must mature and evolve with the requirements of new global
realities. Failure is the greatest indication that natural
laws are being violated. Who can deny that humanity is failing
in its duties and responsibilities to others and to the planet?
Mythology needs to be replaced by developed spiritual consciousness.
Spiritual consciousness is a natural consequence of a developed
heart and mind, free from selfish interests and free of manipulation.
Spiritual consciousness motivates one to meet the needs of others
and serve the common good. This is the urgent need today. Spiritually
developed humanity no longer needs myths, doctrines or ideologies
in order to do right. Doing right is the inherent quality of
being human. What is needed is to peel off the layers of fossilized
psychology in order to let the vitality of life do its work.
©
2006 Richard Sidy
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me with your comments about this topic