Excerpt #18 from my book, Interconnected, Interrelated & Interdependent, Like It or Not:
A NEW REALITY BASE — NEW DAM
As it is apparent that ample evidence exists as to the presence of what we commonly refer to as “problems”, we ask ourselves, ‘’Are these merely the growing pains of a young species and civilization?”
After all, there is a traditional, almost calculable, element of trial and error in all human endeavors.
However, upon closer examination it appears that beyond the degree of expected and acceptable failure, which might be attributed to a learning curve, there is a stratum of problems for which we bear direct responsibility.
This region involves not so much the issues with which we are confronted, but moreover, the methods and mentalities we use to address them.
It becomes increasingly, even irrefutably, obvious that it is not enough that we attempt to plug the leaks in our global dam (though this is essential in the short term) as we respond to the negative outcomes of our individual, national, and global policies, shortsightedness, and limitations.
It is now apparent that we require a new dam, a new approach, that will meet our needs.
Immediately, we must involve ourselves in the design and construction of this approach in order to prevent the further escalation of our existing problems, as well as to dramatically limit the introduction of still more of the same in the future.
It is not a time to simply react to the mistakes of others, but instead, a time to rethink and reestablish basic goals and values, and to determine an overall vision.
It’s time to alter our behavior — a time for us to rise to a higher level.
We require clarity that will provide continual guidance in policy and allow flexibility in implementation.
Many of our leaders are so enmeshed in crisis management that they have little or no time to exercise genuinely creative leadership.
This occurs, paradoxically, at a time — driven by a large and constantly growing population on a tiny planet with a fragile ecosystem — when we desperately seek new visions, new directions, and new beginnings.