Compassionate Cooperative Communities
It seems natural to pay a little more attention to the world and what goes on in it as one gets a little older. We can skate through our childhoods and teenage years with our immature prefrontal cortex–being almost wholly concerned with ourselves. As time goes on, our frontal lobe becomes fully operational, and we start to develop empathy.
At first, maybe this is just out of more selfish motivation. We may notice in a very practical way that in order to fit in and be liked by members of a group, it helps to be able to contribute and cooperate with others. To do this effectively, we need to listen to other’s feelings and respond in caring ways. As we mature more and more, we may notice that giving to and helping others makes us feel good. If we make this kind of giving a regular part of our lives, we notice that others give to us in our times of need.
If we end up having children, we may teach and model this behavior for our families, instilling moral values that will hopefully help them in their own lives. We may take this empathy and spirit of cooperation into our communities, and foster fulfilling reciprocal relationships with our neighbors.
We may enjoy moments of reflection when we realize that all of nature gives and receives in this fashion–that it is truly one system with beautifully connected parts. We may develop spiritual beliefs that further develop this idea of oneness–that we are all stemming from one creative source of the universe.
It’s only natural at this point to look outward to the world at large, in hopes of witnessing this same beautiful and interconnected, compassionate model working on the national and international levels.
So what happens, if upon closer inspection, you come to the conclusion that the world is run by an evil cabal of elite psychopaths hell-bent on world domination and ruthlessly subjugating the masses? And further—they seem to be withholding vital technologies that could greatly improve life as we know it—easing or removing economic stress, world hunger, homelessness, and disease.
“What a bummer, man.”
—The Great Lebowski
What chance do we have in a world like this? Well, for one, we have them outnumbered. Human beings are highly social. The majority of us have developed within tribal and community systems—empathetically working together to survive and thrive. It’s our natural state—reflected in the perfectly interconnected natural world.
It takes real work to be a psychopath. You have to dedicate your entire being to only yourself. You have to go against your own human nature—ruthlessly backstabbing and throat-slitting your way to the top. And even then—other psychopaths will backstab you and slit your throat if it serves their own selfish interests.
It’s a bad business model. It’s not sustainable. It can’t survive.
What can we do? Have empathy. Give to others.
Insist on creating and sustaining compassionate, cooperative communities. Love one another—it’s kryptonite to psychopaths.
Their time is coming to an end.
Until next time
Scott and Lennart