Trends

There is a current trend in organizational thinking that enshrines anarchy (libertarian entrepreneurship) and group-think (corporate conformity) as useful tools to brilliant solutions to big social problems. This is history repeating itself. The first third of the 20th century was a booming technological age of increased prosperity for the few. The new availability of printing technology to leaflet writers and political ideologues of all stripes. Some of those who did not share in the Golden Age advocated anarchy as a method of erasing the rigged economic and political system for a new start. Others, like the Leninists and Trotskyites, turned to committees.

These movements are harnessed by charismatic ideologues. Historically, the Lenins and Hitlers of society have risen to ride the harnessed wave of disillusioned rage. Today, the likes of Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain are trying to ride this wave of anarchic discontent to the White House.

The problem with anarchy in a society without adequate public education and health systems is its propensity to violence. Perhaps this is the difference between the Arab Spring movements in Libya and Egypt. Violent change in the hands of an ideologue with no humanist ideals inevitably leads to atrocity and war.

We live on the brink of cataclysmic change. Climate change will place stress on the human species which exceeds the current capacity of technology to cope. Petroleum-based energy production worsens the problem. Technology is currently petroleum-based. The more technology diverges from solutions to basic human needs of all in order to seek profits from fulfilling the wants of the elite, the closer the human species comes to the precipice.

Ideologues are now trying to marshal forces in the U.S. to eliminate social entitlements to basic needs. Grover Norquist is the dark wizard behind these cowed politicians whose lust for personal power and affluence trumps their sense of duty to the public they are supposed to represent. Post-WWI Germany and post Roaring-20s America are models for an America ruled by Grover Norquist and his minions. This would be fertile ground for a new age of violence and class warfare.

In an age where the society is in turmoil, it is very important for me as a humanist to maintain my own focus and path. By engaging in my personal practice and encouraging others to do so, I am doing what I can do to promote peace and well being. However, I have no control over the wave of human history. Attempts to control others by violence, propaganda or subtle manipulation are useless in promoting general peace and well being in the great span of human experience. Group action for peace and well being are only as effective as the individual life practices within the group.