Change
One basic, observable aspect of The Universe is inertia. Another is entropy. Inertia is the resistance of physical objects to change of state. Entropy is the tendency of energy in systems to dissipate or the tendency of systems to disorder.The advanced mathematics of these concepts elude my mathematical talents, but I tend to see these facts of physics in social systems and relationships. It reminds me of our physical place in our Universe.
Bringing any group together for a common purpose will acquaint the organizer with the concept of social inertia. Keeping a group on track, healthy and growing will acquaint the organizer with social entropy. Understanding and accepting the concepts of social inertia and social entropy can keep the organizer sane.
The energy needed to overcome the inertia in a human group lies within the group itself. Groups are usually organized for a purpose, a journey. The naive organizer gathers a group in a vehicle and tries to push the it up a hill to some conceptual destination. The organizer holds the map. The organizer attempts to own the vehicle, and the members are willing to take a ride, as long as the organizer pushes it fast enough to afford them a pleasant view. Usually, in this situation, the organizer is flattened by exhaustion relatively soon. The vehicle slows and stops. The members get off and search for a faster and more pleasant vehicle. A radical attempt at overcoming group inertia leads to radical entropy, dissipation of the group. The Universe has its own balance.
The wise organizer devises an attractive vehicle to go to an inviting destination. This organizer points out the health benefits of sharing the pushing of the vehicle in turns, while also enjoying the ride in turns. The organizer organizes. Teams of pushers are organized. Those who have no intention of pushing leave. Shifts of pushers and riders are chosen by the members. Sometimes the organizer pushes, but the organizer more often steers the vehicle toward the desired destination through pleasant scenery, since he/she holds the map. Some members get off and new members get on over the course of the journey. Everyone pushes. Everyone enjoys the ride.
Letting go of controlling the way in which the members divide tasks and do the pushing allows the organizer to avoid radical dissipation of the group's energy, radical entropy. By allowing the group to adapt within itself to remain functional and healthy by arranging its parts to its best efficiency, the organizer can objectively assess the overall functionality and health of the group. Suggestions can be made. Struggles can be minimized. The energy of the group can be effectively focused to actualize its purposes.
This is another way of looking at the social nature of human beings. An organizer who fails to see that he/she is part of a system, not a controller of a system, will inevitably create dysfunction and havoc, personally and socially. Humanism, by rejecting clerical hierarchy and rigid liturgy, can enhance social activism in a way that religions have failed. Humanist groups, based in equality and equanimity, have the use of greater energy to achieve their goals. Inclusion diminishes entropy and harnesses more power for progressive change.
Bringing any group together for a common purpose will acquaint the organizer with the concept of social inertia. Keeping a group on track, healthy and growing will acquaint the organizer with social entropy. Understanding and accepting the concepts of social inertia and social entropy can keep the organizer sane.The energy needed to overcome the inertia in a human group lies within the group itself. Groups are usually organized for a purpose, a journey. The naive organizer gathers a group in a vehicle and tries to push the it up a hill to some conceptual destination. The organizer holds the map. The organizer attempts to own the vehicle, and the members are willing to take a ride, as long as the organizer pushes it fast enough to afford them a pleasant view. Usually, in this situation, the organizer is flattened by exhaustion relatively soon. The vehicle slows and stops. The members get off and search for a faster and more pleasant vehicle. A radical attempt at overcoming group inertia leads to radical entropy, dissipation of the group. The Universe has its own balance.
The wise organizer devises an attractive vehicle to go to an inviting destination. This organizer points out the health benefits of sharing the pushing of the vehicle in turns, while also enjoying the ride in turns. The organizer organizes. Teams of pushers are organized. Those who have no intention of pushing leave. Shifts of pushers and riders are chosen by the members. Sometimes the organizer pushes, but the organizer more often steers the vehicle toward the desired destination through pleasant scenery, since he/she holds the map. Some members get off and new members get on over the course of the journey. Everyone pushes. Everyone enjoys the ride.
Letting go of controlling the way in which the members divide tasks and do the pushing allows the organizer to avoid radical dissipation of the group's energy, radical entropy. By allowing the group to adapt within itself to remain functional and healthy by arranging its parts to its best efficiency, the organizer can objectively assess the overall functionality and health of the group. Suggestions can be made. Struggles can be minimized. The energy of the group can be effectively focused to actualize its purposes.
This is another way of looking at the social nature of human beings. An organizer who fails to see that he/she is part of a system, not a controller of a system, will inevitably create dysfunction and havoc, personally and socially. Humanism, by rejecting clerical hierarchy and rigid liturgy, can enhance social activism in a way that religions have failed. Humanist groups, based in equality and equanimity, have the use of greater energy to achieve their goals. Inclusion diminishes entropy and harnesses more power for progressive change.
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