It strikes me that much is outdated in terms of thought, and belief systems, and what we must develop is New Philosophy.
Philosophy is a continuous line of enquiry, as with life it is a process, ongoing and without conclusion. The great appeal to me is its broad analysis, concerning itself with fundamental themes: from metaphysics, to conduct in daily life. It seems to address subjects of fundamental importance, of substance, and less the minutiae, less the parochial. We need to feed and broaden our minds and our field of vision in order transform global status quo, and recover equilibrium. Philosophy is a great leveller, a place to return to for wisdom and reassurance. It seems to be consistently topical, which is interesting, given it is mostly, vastly, historic.
We really must actively question and debate, sharing ideas, exploring and embracing divergent thought and flexing our own personal paradigms. This can no longer be an age of fixed and dogmatic belief, what’s required is fresh perspective and a more holistic appreciation, with an inclusive and flexible attitude. We must test our window of tolerance, and expand perspectives.
What’s so great about the new literacy of entrepreneurship is that it’s so collaborative; competition seems more centred around the challenging of self to realise a potential, and then realise a greater potential, and so on. Entrepreneurs see the benefit in sharing ideas with contemporaries and surely we are stronger and greater together. They understand that learning is essential, that one can both teach and learn as standard daily practise. For don’t they say ‘knowledge is power’. Progressives have the desire to explore, are typically dynamic, and have an attitude of openness to expand, to come together and share. Creatives are generally concerned with collectivism and less one-upmanship, perhaps an expression of curiosity.
I wonder if we value the act of thinking enough. Given its intangible nature, it cannot be objectified or commoditised. Historical philosophy is revered, from the greats of the Latin epoch to the mid-century Existentialists. Have new schools of philosophy emerged in response to phases of great global change, that exemplified by war perhaps. We must pre-empt what’s to come next in terms of a considerable World-shift, and prepare. A move towards individual and collective enlightenment is necessary.
Can the act of ‘thinking’ be valid as work? of course it is. Not only is it work, but I feel it is essentialand relevant work in the here and now. Without a collective thought revolution, we are certainly doomed. We must evolve our consciousness and become more sophisticated, more humane. To develop emotional and existential intelligences, would be a good place to start.
Thought requires application in order for it to be quantified and herein lies the dilemma; thought leaders really need, in addition, to be active proponents of society, global citizens. Academia is valuable, but ideas must travel to impact, must have context to have meaning, must be well-appropriated and implemented. Ideas must be applied, not just implied. Rhetoric must be replaced by activism.
We simply must question and challenge, trust that alternatives and possibilities do exist, and remain open to that which we do not yet know. The ‘new’ is within reach, and must be captured, cultivated and created. Change is certain phenomena, but positive change is not passive, it has to be doubly active to counter ignorance and tyranny.
Have we all become self-interested drones, vainglorious and detached from other? What lies beyond, not far off, is an Orwellian dystopia. None of us will legitimately be able to reflect (from the next-Life) and say ‘Who knew?’, for in this age of information the reality is all too apparent. I for one cannot shut my eyes to it and hope for the best, not on my watch.
Independent thought is essential to disrupt outdated consensus reality. We should have the confidence to choose and direct our volition for a better World, a prosperous and collective existence, one that is sustainable. We are all agents for change, let’s get engaged and activated.
In knowing your mind, you can come to know its limitless capacities. I hope each of you reading this will question ‘what can I offer’... Each of us can contribute, and do not think your voice cannot be heard, we must however speak-up! We must act. We need bold, Renaissance thinking and we need it now.
We must explore and have the courage to test the boundaries of thought, of our belief systems and of our frameworks of understanding, we must s-t-r-e-t-c-h- our minds, use our imagination and innovate.
Short-sightedness is a travesty, the ultimate tragedy, one that Plato or Aristotle might contemplate in their symposium.
Do not underestimate the power of directed thought or the impact of an individual contribution. We should channel our genius in order to change the World beyond.