The self‐guiding evolution of civilizations

In: Systems research and behavioral science: the official journal of the International Federation for Systems Research, Band 20, Heft 4, S. 323-337

Abstract

AbstractThe universe is creating self‐organizing and self‐referencing systems at every scale. In accord with this dynamic, the human family is working to become consciously self‐organizing at progressively larger scales. We have evolved from awakening hunter‐gatherers to a species that has created a wired world whose actions are changing the face of the planet. Because the impact of humanity is now global, that is the scale at which we are challenged to become reflective if we are to be choiceful about our common future. We are challenged to no longer 'run on automatic', but to pay attention to how we pay attention as entire civilizations. The vehicle of collective attention at a civilizational scale is the mass media—particularly broadcast television. If civilizations are to realize their potential for full reflective consciousness and become self‐guiding in their evolution, then it is vital for the public to mobilize the public's airwaves on behalf of the public interest. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.