Envisioning a New Society

Inspired by a recent conversation I had with a friend, this blog post explores the possibility of an alternative society, one that moves away from the shackles of greed and materialism and towards a community built on trust, altruism, and genuine fulfilment.

The Pitfalls of Our Current System

Our world is deeply entrenched in a capitalistic framework, one that often prioritises material wealth and personal achievements. This relentless pursuit of financial success has led to a culture where superficiality is prioritised more than deeper values - happiness, societal well-being, and human connection. We live in a time where one's worth is too often measured by their bank balance or the titles they hold, instead of their benevolence or charity. Nowadays it’s much easier to get away with outrageous misinformation because people don’t generally care to dig deeper than the superficial, whilst raising genuine awareness about topics such as climate change is nearly impossible as it requires deeper thought.

One could argue that human brains are simply wired to remember negative events better than positive events, also called the negativity bias. But I could argue that this isn’t a universal phenomena, and instead is caused by our current system where the negativity bias is learnt. Jennifer Corns (2018) argues that the negativity bias, however well-accepted it may be, is ill-formed.^[1] Which implies it could be false.

A Different Vision: A Society Rooted in Altruism and Connection

Imagine a world where our primary goal isn't to accumulate personal wealth but to build interpersonal wealth from which everyone can benefit through deep, meaningful connections with others. In this envisioned society, trust and altruism aren't lofty ideals but the very foundation of our community life. Here, fulfilment isn't derived from material possessions but from the richness of our relationships and the joy we find in shared experiences supported by interpersonal wealth.

Embracing a Spectrum of Perspectives

In our diverse world, dreams and aspirations vary. Not everyone seeks a life of luxury travel or immense wealth. Some yearn for a modest yet profound existence, embedded within a close-knit community where shared happiness is the norm. Imagine a society that supports this diversity, providing a stable foundation - perhaps in the form of a liveable minimum wage - that allows everyone to pursue what truly brings them joy and contentment.

The Evolution of Personal Values

As we journey through life, our perspectives and values evolve. The beliefs we once held as idealistic can, with time and experience, transform into profound truths. The realisation that happiness cannot be bought and that greed is not an inherent part of human nature is liberating. It opens up the possibility of living in a world where fulfilment comes from within and from the community around us, not from external achievements or validations.

The Role of Language in Shaping Perception

Our perception of the world is significantly influenced by language. The terms we use and the way we describe concepts play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and individual psychology. Consider the impact of redefining or reframing our understanding of concepts like 'greediness.' What if our language emphasised community benefit, altruism, and personal growth over personal gain? Such a shift could transform how we view and interact with our world.

So for example if you happened to find a $100 bill laying on the ground, you might say:

1. I’m taking the $100 bill because… I’m greedy, I want it for myself.

or

2. I’m taking the $100 bill because… I am going to invest it in gifts for others or I’ll donate it to charity.

In conclusion, this vision of a new society is not just a fanciful dream but a feasible alternative to our current way of life. It's about creating a world that values the collective well-being over personal gain. It requires us to rethink our priorities, reshape our language, and re-evaluate our values. As we move forward, let's embrace this vision and work towards making it a tangible reality.

Let's act to create a society that reflects our deepest values and aspirations.

Citations

1. Corns, J. Rethinking the Negativity Bias.Rev.Phil.Psych. 9, 607–625 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13164-018-0382-7