Who am I, from where did I come, what is my purpose here on earth, and what will happen to me when I die? These are the questions that have preoccupied man’s search for meaning since the dawn of civilisation. I will attempt to show that we can deepen our understanding of the mystery of our existence, if, and only if, we can rediscover our true human nature, and we can reimagine our true human potential.
Our empathic human nature rediscovered
Over the past year, I have discovered a new worldview that I hope will help us usher in a new age of understanding of what it means to be a human being. It is a worldview that is refreshing and uplifting and one that is based on a new appraisal of human nature and the human potential. This view distills the wisdom of all of the worlds religions, and the wisdom of all the philosophical traditions and physical sciences, and synthesizes a more accurate worldview that is grounded on the latest developments in our search for a better understanding of the workings of the mind and consciousness.
Four persons have played a critical role in sowing the seed that have germinated into this newfound realisation. To give you a sense of where I am heading, I will introduce you to three RSAnimate videos and one TED talk that have impacted on my psyche immensely in ways before then unimmaginable.
Bestselling author, political adviser and social and ethical prophet Jeremy Rifkin investigates the evolution of empathy and the profound ways that it has shaped our development and our society.
The entire RSA talk can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-7BjeHepbA
This animate was adapted from a talk given at the RSA by Sir Ken Robinson, world-renowned education and creativity expert and recipient of the RSA’s Benjamin Franklin award.
The entire RSA talk can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCbdS4hSa0s
Matthew Taylor explores the meaning of 21st century enlightenment, how the idea might help us meet the challenges we face today, and the role that can be played by organisations such as the RSA.
The entire RSA talk can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5ZjSEqWQQU
Tapping into the findings of his latest book, NYTimes columnist David Brooks unpacks new insights into human nature from the cognitive sciences — insights with massive implications for economics and politics as well as our own self-knowledge. In a talk full of humor, he shows how you can’t hope to understand humans as separate individuals making choices based on their conscious awareness.
Please take your time and view these videos, first the animate, then the enitre talks, then the animates again.
Having done so, you will be able to appreciate a new world view emerging.
Happy watching.
