Tue, Nov 17, 2009 Permanent linkGood questions. I'm not sure I could presume to have the answers, much less suggest how to direct evolution. Indeed, our ability to direct evolution is possibly an illusion. Or at least, evolution is a much stronger force than we acknowledge. Morphologic evolution takes aeons but perhaps evolution within digital constructs happens much more quickly. Do you remember pagers? Who were you then compared to now?
We are surely becoming the new humans, distributed, networked, interconnected, yet still bearing the cross of apehood within a world of constrained resources & power politics. Nevertheless, we're moving into an era of metadesign, capable of seeing into massive global-scale systems, picking apart their data paths, modeling them and running simulations towards more optimized states. Should we direct the evolution of civilization? This question is rhetorical at best. We can, and will, and are directing it. I think that's just what we do as humans.
My sense/hope/faith is that the global mind will include the global heart and the two will balance the outcome of our grand tinkerings towards a more balanced path. This sentiment is what I was really teasing at with the article (which, btw, was written much earlier this year but seemed appropriate now.)
Tue, Nov 17, 2009 Permanent linkReally interesting.
I've been feeling this schism in my immersion in current communication technology
I believe that the pure expression of the 'heart' (emotional, spiritual) is a primarily subjective experience, so the question is, what is possible within the realms of 'technology' in expressing the heart?
I surmise the answer would lye in your perception of technology. Are we speaking here of the mechanistic processors our generation operates and uses to communicate?
Or are we speaking here of any tool we can operate and use to communicate?
Both lead to very differing speculations. With utter excitement I believe in the emergence of a global heart but I question the path of machine technology in its ability to facilitate this merger. I mean how is it possible for a system, absent of emotion or spirit to connect with those who do?
I believe that in creating computer technology we set out to create a reflection of our own minds, this is why it is such a perfect tool for connecting minds (global mind). I believe that there is divine technology at the core of our spirit, our hearts. It already exists, but:
"We’re wired to invention and distraction, dimly aware of the currents working their way through our evolution." nicely put.
i see focus more so on our intellectual growth than cultivating our heart and spirit.
"Danger is on the air"
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 Permanent linkWeather, my sense is that the Web2.0 revolution has brought humanity more deeply and actively into the web; that our devices and services and content are increasingly becoming social mediators; and that this social mediation allows us to connect both intellectually and emotionally. As quickly as we can share information, we can share feelings. I think this emotional aspect of the digital age is often overlooked but is actually just as present and possibly more powerful than the rational layer.
The cloud is becoming a vessel for all it means to be human. Yes, it's a reflection of our minds but the mind is the ultimate domain of the heart's action.
Sat, Nov 21, 2009 Permanent linkbut the mind is the ultimate domain of the heart's action.
I agree with this, but I believe we have opposing idea's of emotional expression and the essence in this.
When we share information online say for example your article, I had the impression that you
are sharing something that you are passionate about, the way in which you articulate the language indicates this, the topic, ect. I 'feel' (as with many articles I've read on space collective and elsewhere) an honest expression of thought, ei thoughts which are being expressed with emotion or passion (from the realm of heart).
Now while I agree that this 'channeling' of emotional energy is present in the conception of the article, I don't believe this energy is received or channeled (accurately?) via technological means, as say if you were to express these thoughts to me while sitting across from me in a tea house.
So many things, physical and more so non-physical contribute to the power and effectiveness of emotional/spiritual expression. The contrast of this expression in the tech and the real is very apparent to me when observing communication.
i love you.
"If we can’t evolve willfully, then the system will evolve for us."
remarkable statement (and highly quotable I must say)..
very well written and yet highly controversial, is it a forewarning?alert? are we not evolving our hearts in tandem?
no, this is no market correction, we agree, yes the very foundations of human behavior are shifting, the question that comes to mind is this: this rewired human, is he us? to what extent can (and should) the evolution of civilization be directed?