The Dynamics of Now – Part Four: Prescient Readiness

[Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three]

As we have seen, the term "modern" refers primarily to technological development and consumerism. But if we redefine it to be psychologically-based, specifically in terms of Spiral Dynamics, then it becomes obvious that we are not living in modern times at all. Most people are not Orange or Green, which are the psychological thresholds for what I call “the Modern.” These value systems are associated with pluralism, individualism, rational thought, and self-expression. They have only emerged in a minority of the global population so far (maybe 40%).

While elements of Orange (more prevalent) and Green (less so) exist today, societal structures and institutions globally are still predominantly based on conformist, traditionalist and authoritarian (Amber/Red) norms rather than egalitarian, progressive norms. Pre-rational and faith-based thinking (Purple/Red/Amber) continues to dictate the psychological mode of the majority of individuals today. This impedes systemic rational thought. Ongoing religious, ethnic and nationalistic conflicts reveal medieval tribalistic or ironclad traditionalist tendencies still dominate over pluralistic, integrative thinking.

In essence, while we have post-medieval technology, our collective psychology remains mostly medieval (about 40% of the population is Amber) with some pre-medieval (ancient Purple accounts for only about maybe 2% or 3% while Red is about 15% - the remaining 2% or 3% or so are at "second tier" stages of consciousness, those higher than Green). So calling our era truly "modern" is misleading at this point. Using "medieval" in this way more accurately positions where we are psycho-socially. It provides clarity that significant psychological evolution is still required for authentic modernity. I think adopting this terminology offers an insightful framing shift.

There are certain advantages to shifting our perspective in this regard. A huge one is that terms like “postmodern" or “post-industrial” or “post-colonial” can be challenged with more accurate terms of using the "pre-" suffix. We live in a world with a massive “post” prejudice. There are plenty of posts - “post-truth” is in the title of Wilber's 2017 book. This is exactly what we don't need. This “post-world” mentality that pervades our language indicates that we are behind the times when what is needed is for us to become ahead of them. By adopting a “prequel” or “prelude” type mentality, we place ourselves existentially in front of what is developing. We can anticipate and navigate the future instead of being victims of the present as is almost universally accepted in postmodern philosophical thought.

Reframing certain terms using "pre-" instead of "post-" positions us proactively ahead of societal development rather than reactively behind it. Rather than "postmodern,” our times are a prelude, forerunner or precursor to an authentic modernity we have yet to fully realize. This frames today as laying groundwork for the future.

Instead of "post-truth,” we are in a prequel era preceding the authentic fruition of the Enlightenment, which remains a work in progress. This implies a truth and understanding yet to come. Rather than irrationally "post-rational,” we recognize pre-rational tendencies still prevalent today, with rationality (Orange and Green) not yet dominant. This suggests a pending rational/technical emergence. In place of a regressive "post-secular" framing, we are transitioning into secularism from pre-secular magical/religious (Red and Amber) stages in many societies.

Replacing "post-" with "pre-" terminology positions today as an anticipatory phase preparing for forthcoming psychological and social evolution, rather than a decline from lost progress or failed alternations to antiquated norms. This empowers thinking in terms of possibilities rather than resignation, supporting human agency to intentionally shape our preferred future. It favors a transition of the foundation for human wonder away from traditional mysteries and into possibility, away from supplication to anticipation.

Other possible advantages of this fundamental shift in perspective include acknowledging the need for further psychological, ethical and cultural evolution in order to grow as a civilization. This raises collective developmental consciousness. Framing the pre-modern mindset helps diagnose where future developmental breakthroughs are most needed socially and globally. Positioning ourselves at a prep-stage for modernity engenders proactive responsibility for consciously creating the future, rather than passive acceptance.

Recognizing the pre-modern phase can inspire individual and collective intentional development to construct authentic modernity. Contrasting with pre-modern stages helps ideologies like humanism and social justice distinguish themselves toward a developmental maturity required to actualize their ideals. Challenging traditional ideas of modern progress encourages critical re-evaluation of the status quo and stimulates fresh perspectives. It also highlights that material exterior progress is no substitute for interior psycho-spiritual growth.

This shift in perspective provides developmental context and inspiration to continue advancing as individuals and societies. It turns a mirror on ourselves to recognize we have more growth ahead before declaring ourselves "modern.” What we need today is something I call "prescient readiness.” By this I intend to evoke a sense of foresight, vision and probing insight that anticipates society's next leap in human psychological development. It turns our minds toward horizons of possibility ahead rather than viewing life as something that must be reacted upon or fixated in a supposedly perpetual tradition.

Prescient readiness involves recognizing that true modernity is not yet achieved, but that it is within reach if we are willing to embrace the necessary shifts in values, perspectives, and capabilities. It requires a mindset that is curious, open to change, adaptable, and receptive to new ideas and technologies, while also acknowledging the potential challenges and uncertainties that come with the unfolding of society. It does not mean that we develop prophecy or become clairvoyant or that our prescience will be inherently accurate. Rather, it simply places us in an anticipatory frame of mind, placing a bet on a possible future while cultivating flexibility, ready to adjust and adapt according to how things actually happen.

How would one go about developing such a mindset? Prescient readiness is fundamentally about cultivating an anticipatory attitude. This involves staying aware of emerging trends and potential changes without the expectation of flawlessly predicting the future. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of being prepared for a range of possible outcomes. Flexibility is a core component of this mindset, enabling individuals to revise their anticipations and strategies as new information becomes available. This adaptability helps avoid rigid attachment to specific results, fostering a more resilient and responsive approach to change.

Developing prescient readiness involves cultivating several essential skills and practices. Mindfulness is fundamental, as staying present and aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings fosters an open and attentive mind. This mindfulness is crucial for recognizing emerging trends and changes. Working on self-knowledge and discovering relevant avenues of personal development while discarding the multiple cognitive biases we uncover along the way is essential. This naturally leads to more open mindedness and self-awareness which is the foundation of being prescient. Additionally, maintaining an awareness of major trends by keeping informed about current and emerging developments in various fields helps understand potential impacts on society and individuals.

Curiosity plays a significant role in fueling continuous learning and adaptation. A strong desire to explore and learn about new ideas, trends, and possibilities drives this curiosity. Being receptive to new information and perspectives without premature judgment further enhances flexibility and adaptability. Another vital skill is discernment, which involves identifying and focusing on what is truly significant and relevant amidst a sea of information, ensuring effective decision-making.

Critical thinking is another important skill, as it enables individuals to objectively evaluate information and arguments to make well-informed decisions. Creativity encourages envisioning multiple scenarios and innovative solutions for future challenges, fostering proactive problem-solving. Emotional intelligence is necessary for understanding and managing one’s own emotions and empathizing with others’ emotions, which helps anticipate and navigate reactions to change.

Systems thinking, which involves recognizing how different parts of a system interact and impact the whole, allows for better prediction of outcomes. Strategic thinking aids in proactive preparation by envisioning future scenarios and developing plans based on current and anticipated circumstances. Building resilience is crucial for adapting and recovering from unexpected changes or setbacks, fostering long-term sustainability. Mental agility, the ability to quickly acquire and apply new knowledge and skills in response to evolving circumstances, is essential for the continuous adaptation of constant becoming.

Acceptance of a complex, refined psychological development model for your individual growth like Spiral Dynamics (but there are a good many other such models) will allow you to see where you currently stand psychologically. It offers guidance to the personal work necessary for you to become truly “modern.” We all have psychological work to do, but most of us just don't bother to do anything at all and remain stuck in stages of consciousness that, while once important and remain so in, say, childhood development, are no longer adequate or necessary for a world of enframed constant becoming. This tool helps you navigate toward more evolved psychological potential with an improved psycho-toolbox.

Cultivating prescient readiness offers numerous advantages in our rapidly changing world, over and above the anticipatory nature of it. Another major benefit is adaptability, as being prepared for various possible outcomes makes it easier to adapt to new circumstances, minimizing disruption and maximizing opportunities. This readiness provides a competitive edge in business, career, or personal life by staying ahead of trends and quickly adjusting to new developments.

Innovation is another significant advantage, as anticipating future needs and challenges inspires creative thinking and encourages the development of innovative solutions. Resilience is fostered through prescient readiness, as being prepared for potential changes builds emotional and mental elasticity, reducing stress and anxiety about an uncertain future. Better decision-making is facilitated by the critical thinking and strategic planning involved in prescient readiness, leading to more informed decisions and better long-term outcomes. Lastly, developing the skills and practices associated with prescient readiness fosters personal growth, encouraging a growth mindset and continuous learning.

The concept of prescient readiness resonates with several philosophical traditions. Ancient Eastern philosophies, such as Taoism and Buddhism, emphasize non-attachment, adaptability, and living in the present moment. In Taoism, the principle of impermanence is particularly relevant. Taoism teaches that all things are in a constant state of flux, and by recognizing this impermanence, individuals can cultivate a flexible mind that is open to change. This understanding of impermanence aligns closely with the core idea of prescient readiness, where adaptability and openness to the evolving nature of reality are key.

Additionally, Nietzsche’s philosophy offers intriguing parallels. For Nietzsche, the profound truth of reality is Will to Power - a dynamic, self-revising, forever-generative life-force that perpetually overcomes and transcends itself. In this light, constant becoming is not an abstraction but the elemental character of existence itself. Nietzsche calls us to engage this churning metamorphosis with the virtues of amor fati (love of fate), eternal return (a willingness to infinitely re-affirm every moment) and self-overcoming (a continual striving to surpass oneself).

Central to this heroic affirmation of constant becoming is the ideal of the free spirit - one who has overcome the "longest lie" of fixed identities, values and truths to embrace authentic individuality amidst the flux. For Nietzsche (and for Buddhism), the self is not a static essence but an ever-renewed "party of paradoxes" riding the currents of radical impermanence and perpetually recreating itself through a superabundance of perspectives and aesthetic self-shapings.

The culmination of this self-overcoming freedom is the ubermensch - Nietzsche's archetype of those who not only accept but affirmatively will constant becoming, embodying creativity and fulfilling the Earth's deepest aspirations. In contrast to parochial conformity or herd mediocrity, the ubermensch is an artistic genius savoring life's grandest joys while bravely bearing its abyssal sorrows.

While Nietzsche's philosophy provides a robust framework for authentically embracing the reality of constant becoming, as we have seen, there is a beneficial off-set found in ancient Taoist thought. The Tao represents the transcendent unity and harmony underlying all phenomenal change and multiplicity. It is the eternal source from which the dance of yin and yang - the interplay of opposing but interdependent forces - eternally unfolds.

Where Nietzsche celebrates the heroic affirmation of constant becoming through a spirit of self-overcoming, Taoism counsels yielding and alignment with the ever-transforming rhythms of the Tao. It cultivates an effortless receptivity and spontaneity attuned to the natural ordering principles within flux itself. Rather than willfully imposing individualistic perspectives, the Taoist way emphasizes inner stillness, humility and creative quietude as the means to harmonize with the great comings and goings.

Yet this is not mere passive acquiescence - the Tao's unity-in-multiplicity reveals all apparent oppositions as mutually arising. Like the yin-yang symbol itself, polarities such as being/non-being, life/death, and order/chaos only exist as conceptual extremes within an underlying vital process. Taoism's wisdom resides in fluidly navigating these paradoxes without fixating on any stage as final or absolute.

When integrated with Nietzsche's individualistic heroism, Taoism offers a complementary grounding - a way to embrace constant becoming not just with thunderous willpower but also with flowing equilibrium. This offers a distinct paradigm, balancing self-overcoming with an appreciation for the unaltered embrace of the whole in its ceaseless self-revivals. Meeting Nietzsche's vertical intensity with Taoism's vast horizontal expansiveness promises an affirmation in the coming of the Modern.

By attuning to the yin-yang rhythms underlying reality's turbulent surface phenomenality, the Tao reveals a deeper order and pattern-on-pattern wisdom. One learns to embrace all arising experiences with an effortless, unattached presence - not attached to or avoiding any phase, but fluidly harmonizing with the grand homeostatic metamorphosis. It is the way of balance within constant becoming itself.

While Nietzsche's philosophy of self-overcoming amidst constant becoming provides a potent psychological resource, it risks tilting towards an overly heroic, willful individualism if taken to an extreme. This is where finding counterbalance in the harmonizing vision of Taoism can be immensely valuable. Rather than asserting the self against the flux, Taoism cultivates an effortless alignment and spontaneous responsiveness to the ever-transforming rhythms of the Tao, like Nietzsche's free spirit, and like prescient readiness.

Yet this balance should not simply collapse into passive relativism or avoidance of Nietzsche's more vertical intensities. The true spiritual work lies in an intricate dance - meeting the thunderous self-overcoming striving with gentle abiding presence, Nietzsche's perpendicular creativity with Taoism's vast horizontal expansiveness. It is a both a paradigm of heroic becoming and yielding being, willing and not-willing, holding a centrifugal richness of perspectives while purposefully resting in the uncarved embrace of the whole.

Consciously living this delicate balancing becomes an ever-renewed spiritual practice. It requires vigilantly guarding against reifying the very frameworks one uses, continuously clearing away rigid constructs to realign with reality's elemental metamorphosis. But it also means periodically stepping back from the sound and fury to simply abide in the dynamic stillness at the eye of the turning world. An ebb and flow, inhale and exhale, yang and yin - the great dance of constant becoming embodied as the highest human potential.

The phenomenon of constant becoming, when recognized as manifesting the fundamental nature of reality itself, demands a radical shift in how we approach and prepare for societal change. Rather than futilely attempting to resist the flux or cling to static identities and constructs, we must cultivate a stance of prescient readiness - actively anticipating and adapting to the currents of change before they overwhelm our systems and selves.

Prescient readiness begins with a clear-eyed acceptance that impermanence and metamorphosis are inevitable forces shaping the contemporary world across all domains. Rigid institutions, belief systems, cultural narratives - all are destined for continual dissolution and renewal by the unceasingly generative currents of constant becoming. To “be prescient” is to see these unfolding waves on the horizon with clarity, rather than reacting belatedly once they've already crashed upon us.

At its core, prescient readiness represents a shift from the contemporary desire for permanence and certainty (Red/Amber) to an openness and welcoming of recursive reinvention (Green). It is an ethos of leaning into the uncomfortable truth that all apparent stabilities are temporary, preparing the terrain to gracefully embrace each metamorphosis rather than fighting the undertow. The aim is to befriend impermanence rather than remain its perpetual victim.

Cultivating a true stance of prescient readiness amidst constant becoming is no simple task. It requires leveraging a diverse array of tools and perspectives to awaken our awareness and equip us to proactively engage the forces reshaping reality. Three key resources we can draw upon are the concepts of enframing, perennial philosophies for navigating flux, and understanding generational shifts in values and consciousness.

There are some personal examples of prescient readiness posted on this blog, although I did not create that term until just a few months ago. One is what I called at the time “the Indian variant” during the COVID pandemic. Though untrained in such things, my vigilance to understand the spread of virus led me to see that circumstances were likely to lead to a new COVID variant coming out of India. That is precisely what happened although the scientific community called it the more politically correct “delta variant.” It quickly spread, infecting millions and killing hundreds of thousands of people globally. I can honestly say I saw it coming.

But, I'm not always right, just always ready. An example of where my attempt to be prescient failed is with gold. I have made more money off gold in the last 20 years than any other single investment. That is prescient. But, at one point, I chose to reinvest just a few weeks before gold crashed. I was not prescient in that case, though I did not panic and remained ready. Eventually (it took far too long investment-wise) gold rebounded and I ended up with a nice gain. So I could say I was prescient overall but failed to discern what was about to happen to gold. Again, this is an example of where my attitude was incorrect yet my continued readiness ultimately prevailed.

These are common, mundane examples of how prescient readiness can impact our individual lives. The reason I was able to apply this without actually defining it is simply because specifics like strategic thinking, self-reflection and an acceptance of impermanence are all techniques that I have developed on my own, without the intent of combining them into a harmogenic whole.

While Heidegger highlighted how our technological framing can limit perception, it is certainly possible to make this constraint visible which, in turn, opens a psychological "clearing" to transcend its limitations. By recognizing how we've been conditioned to see the world instrumentally, we can consciously choose to resituate ourselves in more holistic, poetic attunements. Enframing's doubling-back catalyzes opportunities for more autonomous ways of being amidst the dynamism of constant becoming.

The philosophies of Nietzsche, Taoism and others offer potent psychologies for not just intellectually grasping but wholeheartedly affirming and harmonizing with the truth of perpetual flux. Whether through Nietzschean self-overcoming, cultivating the yin-yang flow, or some creative hybrid, this perennial wisdom trains us to joyfully ride the waves of ceaseless transformation while avoiding the undertow of clinging to any temporary form as final.

Finally, understanding larger generational patterns like those mapped by Spiral Dynamics illuminates the metamodern momentum already underway, embodied most radically by younger cohorts like Generation Alpha. By sensing where the arc of human values and consciousness may be headed, we can prepare the way for the inevitable shifts and capacities germinating in the perpetual turnings and returnings. Hence, we should all cultivate prescient readiness, Gens Z and Alpha most of all.

Humanity's shared existential operating systems have remained confined within the ancestral grooves of the Enlightenment and medieval mindsets long enough. Despite their crucial developmental roles, both of these paradigms represent fundamentally incomplete and imbalanced attunements to the reality of constant becoming. Truly actualizing our civilizational potential requires transcending their respective limits through the evolutionary metamorphosis that is “the coming of the Modern.”

Prescient readiness is not transformational in and of itself. It is merely a manner of seeing or “presencing” as Heidegger would put it. It is about being insightful and prepared for whatever might happen next. This presents a holistic and dynamic approach to anticipating and adapting to future changes. By cultivating a range of skills and adopting a flexible, open-minded attitude, individuals and organizations can navigate the uncertainties of the future more effectively. This mindset not only draws from modern strategic thinking but also resonates with timeless philosophical principles, providing a robust framework for thriving in a rapidly changing world. Cultivating prescient readiness equips us with what we need to proactively engage with the future, making the most of opportunities and mitigating potential challenges.

In Part One we came to understand that the psychology of most people is unable to cope with contemporary change. In Part Two was covered ways to prepare for what is to come. In Part Three some challenges were reviewed. Now, in Part Four we advocate the cultivation of prescient readiness as a means to resolve most of the issues presented in this series of essays. The bottom line is the world is becoming more Green, generation by generation.

While this produces frustration and fear in the short term, it offers us a more open, inclusive and environmentally conscious future. It offers a world where we are master of the use of technology without actually controlling technological development. Making us masters is closely akin to what Nietzsche saw as the ubermensch. We are giving birth to strange times. But on the other side of all this strangeness lies a better world. We only have to be disciplined and prescient enough to grasp it to truly ring in the Modern, though it is coming ready or not.

(Written with assistance from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Pi.)