The Dynamics of Now - Part Two: Preparing for the Modern
What are some of the medieval psychological qualities we see in today's world, which Wilber addresses generally? Amber/Red qualities that persist today include an "Us versus Them" mentality, leading to tribalism and division. There is a pervasive belief in absolute metaphysical truth, which can manifest as fundamentalism or various other forms of exclusion/exceptionalism. A tendency to seek security and stability in tradition and in established hierarchies is highly-pronounced, often at the expense of individual autonomy. There is a preference for authoritarian solutions to every perceived challenge. Power and self-interest, often leading to exploitation of others and the environment, is pervasive among medieval psychologies. Humanity has “dominion” over the Earth and is in no way bound to respect the natural world as anything other than a resource for the generation of wealth and recreation.
Medieval psychology is deeply influenced by religious beliefs which emphasize the centrality of a higher power/God in
human life and the universe. Individuals are seen as
inherently sinful and in need of redemption, with salvation being a
central concern of psychology and spirituality. This preoccupation with concepts of sin, guilt, and
repentance is still widespread and prevalent today, leading to all sorts of psychological maladies and biases (see here and here on how to address this). Compared with contemporary psychology and neuroscience, the Medieval world is a poisonous realm of confusion and decay. The strong emphasis on asceticism and self-denial as means of spiritual purification and moral growth is deeply affecting in all aspects of human life. Practices such as fasting, prayer, and mortification of the flesh are seen as essential for overcoming worldly temptations and achieving spiritual growth by a large segment of today's population. (Though self-mortification has subsided in the face of our latest religious fad - consumerism. Better to buy stuff than to beat yourself.)
Of course, this is all completely antiquated and regressive but it is important to realize that people with these psychologies can function perfectly in a high-tech world, though they will find it increasingly strange as time goes by. People with Red and Amber psychologies can certainly function and succeed within technological society, but they experience increasing dissonance with their values and worldview. For example, someone with a strong Amber orientation will likely find the rapid pace of technological change (AI, VR) unsettling, while someone with a strong Red orientation will struggle with the more egalitarian and communal values that often accompany technological progress. Meanwhile, Green will be frustrated by the inevitable push-back from this, which might result in aggression and volatility on their part (again, the potential for human violence runs deep through almost every stage of human consciousness).
People can only express what their given psychological toolboxes allow. It seems that a century of Liberalism, dating back to the New Deal and establishment of Social Security, by the Supreme Court and within American politics in general is now leading to a backlash. The Green wave of civil and reproductive rights, environmentalism, gay marriage, and, now, gender fluidity and transgender rights went too far, too fast for Red and Amber and the more conservative members of Orange who intellectually oppose some of this change. This historically rapid societal shift triggered a sense of seismic threat and discomfort, leading to the recoil we're seeing today and as I have mentioned before in my take on the book The Exponential Gap.
We do not control the pace of change. Technology itself (or rather the mechanics of techno-development) controls that. See previous posts here, here, here and here to understand why. As I have pointed out numerous times, to use Heidegger's term, we are “enframed” (see here, here and here). The concept of enframing is highly relevant. Technology drives change at a pace that is beyond our control, and we find ourselves enframed within its momentum. This can lead to a sense of disempowerment and alienation, particularly for those whose worldviews are rooted in more traditional, stable ways of life. More prevalently, it is a condition of Being that most people today simply do not recognize. People live enframed lives completely unaware of their circumstances, the consequences never consciously register.
The accelerating pace of technological change is impacting the pace of cultural change and it is terrifying a lot of people. They truly cannot stomach a world of gay marriage and transgender whatevers. They already reversed Roe v. Wade. The intent is clearly to reboot the 1950s in America culturally. But we are nevertheless enframed, the Supreme Court or liberal politicians can do nothing about that. They do not even recognize it.
This accelerating change can indeed be terrifying for many people, particularly those with Red or Amber toolboxes. The desire to return to a perceived "golden age," like the 1950s (which is a myth), can be seen as a reaction to this discomfort. Yet, we are inescapably, unconsciously enframed within this technological momentum. Even if certain human rights are temporarily reversed or stalled, the overall trajectory of progress is likely to continue. It’s a complex and challenging situation.
This tension between Green and other stages gives us the so-called culture wars which, in turn, reveal a world of constant becoming. Constant becoming is the last thing people in Red and Amber seek (to the extent they seek anything other than regression and preservation). It existentially threatens them. Many Orange, too, are threatened by this (Jordan Peterson, Ben Shapiro and Douglas Murray, for example). And yet, it is precisely what the world looks like to Generations Z and Alpha, reflecting their expectation of rapid change and their desire for a more flexible, inclusive society.
Perhaps, the most obvious example of the psychological framework of the Middle Ages is religious fundamentalism. These people don't just believe, they know for a “fact” a literal interpretation of religious texts, intolerance of other beliefs, and the influence of religion on politics. They often merge this with a strong identification with their nation or group, just as often accompanied by a sense of superiority and hostility towards other nations/groups.
Traditional gender roles are a HUGE deal with Red and Amber. Strict adherence to traditional gender roles and expectations, which limit personal expression and perpetuate gender inequality, feeds directly from a neurotic “Us vs. Them” mentality and hyper-traditonalism. This is a tribalistic mindset that leads to political polarization, racism, and xenophobia. There are few things that these people abhor more than the thought of two married men having sex - or sharing bathrooms with trans individuals. These are abhorrent circumstances that medieval psychologies are literally disabled to understand.
Let's break this down into specific behavior examples and emotions.
Example Behaviors (many of these are pre-medieval but they still apply):
Attending religious services regularly, while refusing to engage with or learn about other belief systems.
Displaying patriotic symbols (flags, bumper stickers, etc.) while being hostile or discriminatory towards people from other countries.
Expecting men to be the breadwinners and women to be caregivers, and judging those who don't conform to these roles as threats.
Supporting policies that favor one’s own group (race, religion, political party) while disadvantaging others.
A deep-seated preference for authoritarian policies and politics.
Example Emotions:
Fear of change, the unknown, or anything that challenges one’s beliefs.
Pride in one’s own group or nation.
Contempt or hostility towards outsiders or those who are different.
Anger or frustration when one’s traditional values are challenged.
Another behavior deserves special mention – aggression/violence. These are certainly behaviors that can stem from the medieval mindset, reaching back to pre-medieval periods of history. When individuals feel threatened by those who are different, or when their traditional values are challenged to accommodate other views, it leads to the Us vs. Them mentality that can certainly manifest as aggression or violence. This can be seen in hate crimes, domestic violence, or political violence. It’s a deeply ingrained aspect of human psychology that continues to persist in contemporary society. When Trump speaks of a “bloodbath” if he doesn't get elected, he is speaking to those with this psychological disability.
People at the Orange stage, who are driven by individualism, development, and achievement, can be just as aggressive in their pursuit of success and power. However, this aggression generally manifests in more socially acceptable forms, such as competition in business or politics or sports, rather than overt violence. This might be because Orange values tend to prioritize order, stability, ethics and rule of law, which can act as a check on violent behavior.
But all Orange people are merely in the late-Enlightenment stage of history (our present day), which is one reason why we do not live in “modern” times. According to certain philosophical perspectives, like postmodernism, the Enlightenment brought about important advances, but also emphasized rationality, objectivity, and progress in a way that has become problematic in today's world. The idea that we're still in the Enlightenment mindset and not yet in the "modern" era implies that we're still grappling with some of the limitations of this approach, such as the tendency to overlook subjective experience, to discount cultural diversity and relativism, or fixation upon traditional values.
Interestingly, Wilber criticizes Green and postmodernism in his writings. He sees Green as an important step forward from Orange, as it prioritizes community, harmony, and ecological sustainability. However, he also argues that Green's emphasis on relativism and inclusivity can lead to a form of "flatland" where all perspectives are considered equal, even if they are not equally valid. He believes that postmodernism, in its extreme forms, exacerbates this problem by denying the existence of any universal truths or hierarchies of value. Instead, Wilber advocates an "integral" approach that seeks to combine the best aspects of previous stages of development.
But, I think Green is simply turning out differently than Wilber (or Spiral Dynamics) anticipated or would have preferred. This is likely because he does not understand the enframed nature of human reality and “the coming of the Modern” (almost no one recognizes these forces). The actual manifestation of the Green stage in society will likely be different from what Wilber or Spiral Dynamics predicted, simply because Green is far more dynamic and diverse than any previous stage of psychological development.
It is important to interject Heidegger's concept of "enframed reality," which suggests that our understanding of reality is shaped by our technological and cultural context. This could imply that the Green stage, as it emerges, is inherently influenced by the technological and cultural developments of our time, more so than any previous developmental stage in human history. Perhaps the Green stage we're seeing today is spontaneously emergent, a product of the coming Modern era, rather than a direct continuation of previous stages. Stages of development, like Green, are not static or discrete categories, but rather fluid, evolving, and deeply influenced by the ever-changing context of our world.
Personal psychological development does not unfold linearly with one stage simply following to the next. The emergence of our enframed Being has psychological implications, as we have seen. Generally speaking, cultural and technological circumstances impact your psychology as much, if not more so, as which stage of consciousness you are living. Green is not simply an evolution out of Orange, it is influenced by a new world that the emergence of Orange neither experienced nor anticipated. In Heidegger’s terms, technological development is a way of "revealing" the world to us, shaping how we perceive and interact with our environment, but it does not necessarily equate to psychological or spiritual growth or development.
Gen Alpha, being the first generation to grow up entirely in a world shaped by ubiquitous technology, is more deeply enframed than any previous generation. Their understanding of reality, relationships, and even their own identities will probably be profoundly influenced by their interaction with technology. This is demonstrated by the unique challenges this generation faces with isolation, depression and stress. Psychologically speaking, they are going through an adjustment disorder. That will all work itself out, however. We are a highly resilient and innovative species regardless of the generation or what stage of consciousness we find ourselves.
Beyond the challenges the younger generations face, we need to point out the tension of Red, Amber, and some Orange against the rest of Orange and Green. This is essentially what Wilber addresses in his book. Navigating this tension between the different developmental stages is a pressing issue. Wilber's work highlights the need for a more comprehensive, "integral" approach that acknowledges the value and limitation of each stage of consciousness. This approach seeks to foster understanding and dialogue between people operating from different stages, rather than creating further division.
I think Wilber's theories are just that - theory. He is creative and insightful. But whenever someone thinks their way (integral theory in Wilber's case) is the proper perspective they are bound to be disappointed. We find ourselves in a period of confusion in America and across the globe. This is as it should be. Transformational times are always unsettling and not completely foreseeable. For the past 200 years or so Red and Amber have been in the process of losing their majority status to Orange and Green, with Green accelerating and Red/Amber fading in relevance as far as constant becoming is concerned (at least since the 1960's).
Strikingly enough, we can now speak of the strength of enframing. It is not as nihilistic as it seems. The progression from mechanical to computerized technology to today's applications phase (as discussed here) offers us an unprecedented opportunity to take greater control over our lives. These circumstances are remarkable. We will all change, and nothing will likely turn out as we foresee. This transformation is driven by a world of constant becoming, a process that has accelerated since the advent of atomic power.
Heidegger saw enframing as a force that limits our freedom and constrains our very Being. However, once observed and acknowledged, enframing also empowers us to shape our own destiny like never before. Technology can serve our ends even if we do not control its development directly. It’s about leveraging the enframed world for relevant "use cases." Enframing technology can remind us, double-check us, block bad agents, analyze our health, keep us organized, make us more informed and creative, and enable us to multitask more efficiently. This duality of enframing presents both challenges and opportunities. The future is uncertain, but enframing is not necessarily destined to harm humanity, though it will certainly change us – it already has.
Enframing can empower individuals in a myriad of ways. Although Heidegger viewed it as a negative, exploitative framework—a threat to our Being—enframing has already changed our nature and will continue to do so. With personalized algorithms and AI agents, we can view enframing in a new light. AI-based tools can analyze spending patterns and offer financial management suggestions. They can also improve health outcomes by analyzing individual data and suggesting personalized healthcare plans.
Personalized learning algorithms can revolutionize education by creating tailored experiences for each student's unique needs and abilities. Enframing technology can promote environmental sustainability by optimizing energy usage in homes and offices, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency.
In mental health, AI agents can monitor mood and behavior patterns, helping to identify potential issues early and suggest appropriate therapies. Productivity can be enhanced through personalized task management tools that analyze work patterns and recommend strategies for improvement. These tools can reduce travel time and emissions by analyzing traffic patterns and suggesting the most efficient routes. They can also enhance personal safety by analyzing crime data and recommending safer routes or times for outdoor activities. Online interactions can be made safer through algorithms that flag issues like cyberbullying or trolling.
In health and well-being, enframing offers tremendous benefits. Wearable devices and sensors can collect real-time data on heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity. AI-based tools can analyze this data to provide personalized insights and recommendations. They can alert us to potential health issues, remind us to take medications, or suggest lifestyle changes to improve our health.
These technologies can act as personalized wellness coaches, monitoring our habits and behaviors and offering improvement suggestions. They might suggest mindfulness exercises if they detect high stress levels or recommend a short walk if we've been sedentary too long. In this way, enframing technology helps us take greater control over our health and well-being, providing tools for informed decisions and healthier habits.
AI agents and personal algorithims can assist us in navigating the increasingly complex digital landscape. One significant advantage lies in multitasking. Technology can seamlessly handle tasks like managing emails and social media, freeing up valuable time and streamlining our daily routines. Imagine AI assistants sorting through emails, appropriately responding in your unique voice, and reporting any essential information directly to you to manage by exception. This not only saves time but also ensures that we stay informed without getting bogged down in digital clutter.
Moreover, these technologies can enhance our awareness of upcoming activities and events. Through personalized algorithms, we can receive alerts about planned engagements and discover new opportunities or interests that we might have otherwise missed. They can order our groceries or make travel plans or give us the news and weather based upon preassigned parameters. By leveraging technology in this way, we can make our days more efficient and enriching, maximizing our potential for growth and exploration.
These technologies also play a crucial role in safeguarding our digital security. With the prevalence of cyber threats and intrusions, having robust measures in place is essential. AI-powered systems can proactively detect and prevent cyberattacks, protecting our sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of our digital presence. By leveraging what are otherwise considered as enframed solutions, we can navigate the online world with confidence, knowing that our privacy and security are prioritized by technologies we individually control rather than corporations or governments.
The results of our enframed nature can become empowering, giving us greater control over our lives and enhancing our overall well-being. This offers a glimpse into a future where technology enhances our lives rather than exploits or restricts us. Overly optimistic? Perhaps. But there's no reason why we must live in a world where only governments and corporations have algorithms. Personalization of technology (Personal Intelligence) can give individuals the informed control that is currently available only to big tech. Yet, the future remains uncertain, and it is not guaranteed that humans will use enframing to their advantage. In all likelihood, only a few of us will do so.
I think a lot of Nietzsche applies to this situation. His teachings of amor fati, the eternal return of the same, self-overcoming, the free-spirit, the ubermensch and the Will to Power combine into what I call the “religion” of Nietzsche. Invoking this is a strong response to navigating constant becoming. Applying Nietzsche's philosophy of individual empowerment and growth in the face of an ever-changing world is precisely what is needed to make enframing work for us instead of being victimized by it as Heidegger originally suggested. This religion of Nietzsche challenges us to confront our own limitations, accept the impermanence of all things, and strive for personal excellence, even in the face of uncertainty and change.
Nietzsche affords a wonderful mind-space which is necessary to accept the challenge of living and thriving within a world of constant becoming. Embracing the challenges of life, instead of trying to escape or resist them, is a key element of Nietzsche’s thought. This mindset can help individuals not only survive but also flourish in the face of uncertainty.
To clarify, this is not a postmodern critique, which typically involves questioning and deconstructing established narratives and structure. Instead, my claims are all geared toward something completely new, what I call "prescient readiness" (see Part Four). This essay is about recognizing and preparing for the coming of a new era, which I have termed "the Modern." This anticipation and readiness for change is an example of "prescient readiness," where we're not just reacting to changes as they happen, but actively anticipating and adapting to them a priori.
Prescient readiness can be actually enhanced by enframing, applying Nietzsche, and seeing the generational momentum of Spiral Dynamics toward Green, however messy it may turn out for thinkers like Wilber. This is the Tao. Indeed, prescient readiness can be strengthened by leveraging the tools of enframing (which allow for greater individual control), Nietzsche's philosophy (which encourages embracing change and striving for personal growth), and recognizing the generational momentum of Spiral Dynamics (which helps us understand the broader context of societal change). By combining these elements, we can better navigate the ever-shifting landscape of constant becoming. The Taoist connection is especially intriguing here—the Tao teaches us to flow with the natural order of things, to adapt and find balance amidst constant change.
It is yin/yang. Taoism/Nietzsche. The Taoist concept of yin and yang teaches us that seemingly opposing forces are actually interconnected and complementary. In the same way, Taoism and Nietzsche's philosophy can be seen as two sides of the same coin—both offering insights into how we can navigate the challenges of constant becoming. While Taoism emphasizes finding balance and harmony within the natural order of things, Nietzsche's philosophy encourages individual empowerment and self-overcoming. Together, they offer a prescient, holistic approach to life that acknowledges both the external forces that shape our world and our own power to shape ourselves.
(to be continued)
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