??The Crossroads of Humanity: Navigating Two Pathways Through the Ages??

In the tapestry of human history, two distinct pathways have emerged, shaping our societies, cultures, and the very fabric of our existence. These pathways, driven by contrasting values and principles but transcending the false dichotomy of left and right thinking, have led us to where we stand today. One path, characterised by competitiveness, control, and cruelty, has dominated our narratives for centuries, while the other, which embodies creativity, collaboration, and compassion, holds the promise of a brighter future. As we witness the dire consequences of treading down the former, it becomes clear that embracing the latter is not only a choice but a necessity to rescue humanity from the brink of self-destruction.

The Path of Competitiveness, Control and Forced Followership: A Tale of Imbalance

Throughout recent history, human societies have often gravitated toward a competitive and controlling mindset. This path has seen individuals and nations vie for dominance, striving to amass power, wealth, and influence at any cost. Hierarchical structures and systems, such as capitalism, have perpetuated this behavior by emphasising dominance and hierarchical control, leading to a relentless cycle of economic exploitation, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Under this path, economic systems have triggered the primitive dominance behavior system in the brain, giving rise to a relentless pursuit of power and material gain. Once the cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine (CAD) focus and reward system has been triggered, it is never satisfied and will not let go. This allowed the hunter in our paleolithic times to persist on the hunt, now it drives tech billionaires to rule the world and keep hold of all the money.?

This has resulted in a state of forced followership and management theory models whose language often dehumanises people into widgets, to make 'them' simpler to control.?As individuals find themselves entrapped in economic slavery, devoid of true agency and autonomy, the toll on mental health is significant, with research indicating a strong link between subservient social positions and heightened rates of depression and anxiety.

The pressures of conforming to such systems stifle our potential, hinder innovation, and generate a pervasive sense of helplessness. It's an effective, if somewhat time consuming, system of control if you're a paradigm winner and want to get richer at the expense of people. Now with the onset of AI and robotics, people can mostly be replaced and this negates the frustration of trying to keep followers economically shackled to your gravy train.?

The Path of Creativity, Collaboration, and Compassion: A Vision of Hope

Amidst the challenges posed by the competitive path, an alternative way forward beckons – one built upon the pillars of creativity, collaboration, and compassion. This path acknowledges the interconnectedness of all living beings within in the biosphere and recognises that our collective wellbeing is intricately tied to the health of the planet. It thrives on diverse perspectives and cooperation, fostering an environment where innovation and empathy flourish.

To veer onto this path, we must undertake a systemic transformation that challenges the norms of hierarchical capitalism. By dismantling systems of dominance and inequality, we pave the way for genuine collaboration, where the intrinsic worth of each individual is recognised, and the emphasis shifts from material gain to shared prosperity. This shift is not merely an idealistic endeavor but a pragmatic necessity, as the survival of our species and our planet hinges on our ability to transcend the limitations of the competitive path.

It is evident that the current trajectory of competitive dominance is unsustainable, threatening the delicate balance of our ecosystems and the mental health of our global community. As we stand at this crossroads, the choice becomes clear: we must pivot towards a path that embodies creativity, collaboration, and care for both each other and our planet.

A Glimpse into Our Ancestral Wisdom

For most of human history, our ancestors lived in immediate-return hunter-gatherer societies. These egalitarian and sustainable communities stood in direct contrast to the competitive and controlling narratives that have gained prominence in recent times. Driven by the principles of creativity, collaboration, and care, the modus-operandi these societies engaged in, directly aligns with the work of Dr. Ian McGilchrist, a prominent thinker whose insights on the nature of the human brain shed light on our propensity for both competition and collaboration. In his book "The Matter with Things," Dr. McGilchrist delves into the intricate relationship between our brains, perception, and the world around us. He offers a profound observation that resonates deeply with our exploration:

“So the left hemisphere needs certainty and needs to be right. The right hemisphere makes it possible to hold several ambiguous possibilities in suspension together without premature closure on one outcome.”

Transcending the Competing Paradigm

The allure of hierarchical capitalism, while providing some benefits, has often come at the cost of true collaboration and sustainability. The competitive mindset has led to the rise of economic slavery, where?forced followership?perpetuates inequality, eroding mental well-being and obstructing our shared potential for creativity and innovation.

Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the lessons of our ancestors illuminate an alternative path. By embracing diversity, fostering serendipity, and recognising the inherent value of each individual, we can redirect our trajectory. The immediate-return principles of our hunter-gatherer ancestors remind us that sustainable practices, grounded in a harmonious relationship with the environment, are not only possible but essential for our survival.

By discarding the mental chains of enforced followership and embracing the autonomy to explore alternative frameworks, we can pave the way for a seismic shift towards a world untethered by hierarchical capitalism. The big question is will the dominant paradigm elite, allow us to break away?

They certainly seem resistant to change, moreover, there seems to be a?'quickening'?where the wealthy seem to be in a feeding frenzy, consuming as much of the resources as possible, before the inevitable collapse which is assured in a dominant society as has been repeated throughout the last 12000 years.

We've done it before

?The enigmatic builders of Stonehenge serve as an illustrative example. These communities once ventured into the cultivation of cereal from Continental Europe, a seemingly forward trajectory. However, recent research suggests that around 3300 B.C., these very communities reverted to their previous practice of hazelnut collection. This pivotal moment of reevaluation showcases their conscious decision to favour their former way of life, weighing its advantages against the perceived advancements of the foreign practice.

In a narrative that echoes through the annals of history, authors David Graeber and Wengrow delve into the enigma of Cahokia, a proto-empire that once held dominion over vast territories. Amidst the theories proposed to explain its abrupt downfall circa 1350 A.D., the authors present an alternative perspective.

It is their contention that the subjects of the oppressive Cahokia dynasty, subjected to relentless surveillance and the ominous threat of mass executions, collectively chose to assert their autonomy in a remarkable act of defiance. In a time when land wasn't scarce, these subjects, rather than submitting to continued subjugation, opted to reclaim their agency and walk away from the grip of oppression.?Of course we have Brexit and national boundaries to hinder our escape.

As the world becomes more desperate for solutions, it will necessitate super-human energy to break free from the paradigm blindness and inertia the present system engenders.?

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