The Human Cosmos:
How Human Beings Create Reality and Evolve Culture
By Yan Song,
25 Regent Lane, Lincolnshire, IL
, 847-607-9418
Abstract
The natural phenomena of human consciousness and creativity are re-interpreted as emerging cosmological flows of energy governed by two fundamental principles:
- The emergence principle: perpetual emergence of increasingly more complex and integrative forms of organization, physical and metaphysical. The discoveries of new scientific theories in physics, biology, psychology and science as a whole maybe conceived as manifestations of this more general principle;
- The conservation principle: conservation of total energy in all forms of cosmological flow. This principle has been well established in all branches of science without exception to date
The two cosmological principles generate the momentum and a flow dynamics in which more complex and integrative organizations displace less complex and integrative ones over the course of time. The resulting phenomena are known as evolution in science. Evolution explains qualitative changes in natural history, from cosmology to biology to psychology to anthropology, etc.
Afour-dimensional functional structure is proposed to modelthe complex forms of evolution or cosmological flow in organisms and applied to understanding the human condition, revealing the ontological and epistemological origins of various cultural phenomena such as growth, inertia, happiness and leadership with examples from business and daily life.
Introduction
We take a hypothesis and deduction approach to scientific inquiry of the natural phenomenon ofconsciousness and how it influences the functions and behaviors of organisms in nature (e.g. human culture). We are guided by the scientific tradition in two important ways
- The aim of science, as stated by Albert Einstein [1], is to achieve “on the one hand, a comprehension, as complete as possible, of the connection between the sense experiences in their totality; on the other hand, the accomplishment of this aim by the use of a minimum of primary concepts and relations. (Seeking, as far as possible, logical unity in the world picture, i.e., paucity in logical elements.)”
- Application of scientific imagination, as once again stated by Albert Einstein [2], “there are no eternal theories in science … Nearly every great advance in science arises from a crisis in the old theory, through an endeavor to find a way out of the difficulties created … To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science”
Albert Einstein further articulated this view of the scientific method in a letter written to his friend, Maurice Solovine, in 1952, famously known as his “epistemological credo” [3]. He made it clear that the most fundamental discoveries in science are not made by logical deductions based on direct observations but arise intuitively or psychologically out of our total experience of nature. Their justifications rest entirely on the usefulness of the logical systems derived from them for the purpose of comprehending reality, an endeavor of psychological nature in itself.
General Concepts and Principles
The Hypotheses of Cosmological Flow
The natural phenomena of human consciousness and creativity maybe thought of as an emerging and cosmological flow of energy governed by the following two primary principles
- The emergence principle - perpetual emergence of increasingly more complex and integrative forms of organization, physical and metaphysical. The discoveries of new scientific theories in physics, biology, psychology and science as a whole maybe conceived as manifestations of this more general principle
- The conservation principle – conservation of total energy in all forms of cosmological flow. This principle has been well established in all branches of science without exception
Evolution Follows the FieldStructuresof Cosmological Flow
The two cosmological principles generate the momentum and a flow dynamics in whichmore complex and integrative organizations displace less complex and integrative ones over the course of time. The resulting phenomena are known as evolution in science. Evolution explains qualitative changes in natural history, from cosmology to biology to anthropology and psychology. Such non-linear patterns of growth has been known in the history and philosophy of science for some time: long stretches of gradual and incremental changes punctuated by abrupt and qualitative leaps which Thomas Kuhn [4] called paradigm shifts. Importantly, after each of such shift, the previous paradigm is recognized as a partial pattern of a higher order. The following diagram maybe useful for visualizing this complex dynamic:
Figure 1. The Field Structures of Cosmological Flow
The enlarging cone shapes represent the emergence of ever more complex and integrative forms or organizations of flow at the balance of the twin cosmological principles. For those who are familiar with the “Big Bang” theory in cosmological physics, there are definitively conceptual and structuralparallels between thetwo theories (therefore the title of cosmology) even though they deal with qualitatively different phenomena: physical vs. psychological.
Evolution or Cosmological Flow in Organisms
The more complex forms of evolution or cosmological flow appear to take place in organisms through the following functional dynamics:
- Expanding the order or complexity of cosmological flow or emergence (e.g., consciousness), which creates the needs for
- Integrating such new and higher order of flow (e.g., broader truth of reality) with the existing and lower order of flow (e.g., narrower truth of reality) so that the organism may continue
- Performing the function of realigning and optimizing finite resources in the direction of cosmological flow. Such productivity sustains the organism and
- Reinforcing the continued expansion of flow in the organism and the cosmological whole
The following diagram illustrates this functional dynamics in all organisms
Figure 2. The FunctionalDynamics of Evolution in Organisms
Applications to the Human Condition
Human beings are arguably the most complex organisms on planet Earth. As far as we can tell, we are the only species capable of consciousness. It is impossible for us to function humanely without a theory, however poorly constructed or even implicitly assumed, of consciousness of some kind. It should not come as a surprise at all that the current state, history and future of human affairs or even the fate of our species has a rather large stake in how well we understand our own consciousness. Therefore, we have no choice but putting forward our best efforts with our admittedly humble abilities. Failing to do so is to forsake our humanity and natural duty of existence all together. The author is under no illusion that the theory of consciousness being espoused here were anywhere near perfection or complete. Its merits depend entirely on its values of comprehending the complex human conditions presently as well as historically and suggesting constructive and actionable strategies for a better future.
The Problem of Inertia or Linear Growth
Given the cosmological origins of emergence and conservation, it is only to be expected that an organism such as a human being or society must undergo constant change and periodic transformation as a natural course of their existence. Whenever an organism, individually or socially, is stuck at a particular stage of the continuous emergence, problems and crises of massive proportions erupt. The history of humankind maybe understood as a manifestation of this underlying theme. Thus modern men tend to treat everything in life mechanically and turn their lives and the planet with it into gigantic waste land driven by an insatiable appetite to consume more and more material goods. Their pre-industrial or even earlier ancestors are not necessarily nobler but certainly less capable of destroying themselves and the environment [5]. The solutions to such fundamental problems cannot come merely from secondary sources such as politics or even social justice. It must arise primarily from an enlightened consciousness of the fundamental human condition on one hand and effective means of navigating the contours of evolution or cosmological flow on the other, without diminishing life by either artificially choking growth or allowing it become cancerous – two dysfunctional sides of the inertial status quo or stasis.
The Pursuit of Happiness and Evolution of Human Culture
If evolution is hardwired into human consciousness, it should come as no surprise that happiness is maximized when the cosmological flow is optimized. That means that individuals and societies must continuously search for and implement more complex and integrative forms of functional dynamics described previously. It is not merely a mechanical process but involves transformations of old forms into new ones. Human culture by definition consists of explicit rules and implicit assumptions about how to optimize the flow as known at a particular time and place. These rules and assumptions have been learned over a long period of historical time (very short cosmologically) and through much trials and errors. It is understandable that most human beings are extremely averse to modifying their hard earned knowledge and traditions, even at the face of contradictory facts. However, from a cosmological perspective, change is inevitable so far as the pursuit of happiness is insuppressible. Through the ups and downs in both individual and human history, the cosmological flow has been and will continue to be realized, more or less, sooner or later. The problem of inertia arises when the cultural artifacts of individual and/or social conventions and beliefs become outdated and out of sync with the momentum of ever expanding cosmological flows. It must be emphasized that this is not to oppose “good” guys against “bad” or one ethnic or national tradition against another. Cosmological momentum and cultural inertia are inherent in all conscious beings and traditions we have created and inherited throughout history. It’s a matter of recognizing and aligning cultural complexity with cosmological realities. This is true for an individual human being, a business enterprise, a NGO, an entire nation and humanity as a species.
There have been many theories of human culture but none from a cosmological perspective as far as I am aware of. Below I present a prototype for the purpose ofdemonstrating the principles and proposing a new research agenda. Vast amount of future research is needed to verify and refine the detailed components. I have been influenced by many giants who came before me. In addition to those already referenced, I have borrowed many ideas and logical units fromanother dynamics-based psychological theory, The Levels of Existence, developed by the late professor of Union College, Clare Graves [6] and later expanded by Don Beck and Christopher Cowan inSpiral Dynamics [7]. The key differences are the incorporation of the conservation principle and the fieldvs. corporeal (memes) structure of the fundamental energy flow. Both are essential to capture thecosmological as well aspsychologicalqualities of the underlying reality(figures 3 and 4).
Figure 3. The Field Structures of Human Consciousness
Figure 4. The Functional Dynamics of Cultural Evolution
What can we learn from this simple or even crude model of human consciousness and cultural evolution? Specifically, how useful is it for us to explain human history, illuminate current predicaments and design strategies of moving to a better future? Several important observations and predictions can be made
The Pursuit of Happiness
The pursuit of happiness is the engine of all human culture. In recent years, the subject of happiness has received much attention, especially from the Positive Psychology movement [15, 16]. Research programs have focused on identifying positive emotions, character traits and institutional structures that are more likely to maximize happiness in individuals. The model being presented here might compliment such research as an overall integration framework. Previous research has clearly demonstrated that happiness is heavily correlated with the presence of flow. However, flow dynamics are extremely complex and some more general principles are badly needed to reduce conflicts and, above all, better illuminate the most essential element of happiness of all: purpose. Similarly, strong characters are necessary but insufficient to produce and sustain flow and happiness. As Marty Seligman pointed out, “A science of positive emotions, positive character, and positive institutions will merely float on the waves of self-improvement fashions unless it is anchored by deeper premises.” [15] By identifying flow as the relationships between the most essential cognitive and productive functions of the organism, the model attempts to anchor such research programs in the two cosmological hypotheses.
From the cosmological perspective,“flow” is an inherent property of all organisms. One does not seek to create flows as much as optimize them through adapting and changing the psychological, social and cultural conditions that have existed up to now. There is definitely an “arrow” of cultural evolution but no fixed functional contents for all human conditions. Specific conditions call for specific adaptations on the continuum. It is important to remember that these flows are universal and present in all individuals, groups, professions, ethnics and nations, etc. To use an analogy, individuals and societies are like the ponds or lakes connected to a cosmic river, both feed and be sustained by the latter. Each individual pond or lake definitely has its own unique set of endowments and development needs. However, the optimal solutions must take into account not only such local conditions but also the cosmological context, that is, keeping the river flowing. Viewed from this perspective, the history of mankind as well as the developmental psychology of individuals can be understood as continuous struggles to make and maintain connections with the forward momentum of the cosmic river flowing through all of us. The major crises and breakthroughs can be identified on the map. For instance, the capital market based economies of developed countries is the most successful mechanism known to lift mankind from Magical to Mechanical world of existence. Happiness is theoretically possible in both worlds. The relativity of such happiness is determined by the quality in which the primary flow functions are fulfilled. Despite the differences in philosophical perspectives and moral sentiments, few could deny the ferocious momentum and material success of industrialization in both developed and emerging economies around the world. In my birth country of China, the progress of last 30 years has madethe pursuit of happiness a real opportunity for ordinary citizens for the first time in the long history of this proud Middle Kingdom. There have been much turmoil and sadness. But new opportunities and happiness sprout up and more than compensate for the lost peace. That’s the meaning and reality of cultural evolution.
To show that even a great pond or lake could have problems by draught or flood, let’s look at another example, the financial crisis and economic recession of recent years. Capital market can lift billions of people out of poverty but couldalso crash them to death if not carefully managed and evolved. The happiness of newly liberated Chinese would be very short lived indeed if the global economy collapsed in the last recession or in future. What has caused this latest crisis? Many people point fingers at the irresponsible lending practices of the financial industry. That is certainly true but far from the complete story. The “titans” of Wall Street and the upper middle class in general have come up short of living up to their natural responsibilities of advancing the cosmological flows to the next stage, from Mechanical to Relational. In other words, too much energy gets trapped in the Mechanical loop among the affluent. At the same time, there has been a major shift of energy from the Magical and Mechanical flows among the poor and lower middle class, especially in the emerging economies. The two flows clashed and created the bubble that eventually burst under its own weight. There has been much political bashing in this country from both sides of the political spectrum (read ‘Democrat’ and ‘Republican’) but neither is capable of breaking out of the paralysis within their own party. Finger pointing at the Chinese currency policies is more distracting than useful for solving the problem. The hope of America and the world lies in the hands of the independents. Would they come through as did the founding fathers in creating a new social reality that humanity has never seen before and need to survive the 21st century? Or do they merely stand by and let partisan politics eat away the magnificent achievements of the industrialization and the democratic values represented by the American Constitution?
To make this choice clearer and more real, let’s look at a 3rd example, the life of ordinary employees in typical American corporations today. The dominant management culture in America today is undoubtedly Mechanical as encouraged or even dictated by the capital market. For the majority of employees, success simply means moving up the corporate ladder of controls, with all associated monetary benefits, decision power and status symbols. The tool of the trade is planning and execution to plan. Its superiority over the reactionary mode of operations in most other types of Magical cultures is as obvious as the industrial wealth of the developed counties vs. poverty of most developing nations. In fact, it has been so successful that few people could resist or even afford breaking free from its dynamics. Anyone who has dared to challenge the Mechanical management culture knows what kind of resistances he or she must deal with. It’s nothing less than swimming against the currents of an ocean! Blaming the CEOs or the capital market can only be counter-productive as few are willing to give up the life styles supported by the wealth of capitalism. The situation looks hopeless unless one is willing to take a step back and take a cosmological perspective, especially when things break down as it often does in the real world. A boardroom fight results in the ousting of a successful CEO;A territory dispute between the heads of R&D and Manufacturing squashes an otherwise excellent Six Sigma initiative; the competitive attitudes by members of a project team prevent the best product designs to be discussed and funded by the company; the merger of two complimentary firms break down due to poor communications and mistrusts. The list can go on infinitely. Despite such lost opportunities, it has proved very difficult to change the status quo for systemic reasons. It comes down to the daily choices and decisions we make: how do we talk/listen to our colleagues (play mind games or share our intents and assumptions)? How much room are we willing to provide people for exploring creative solutions vs. following blindly our orders? How do we deal with conflicts of interests when turf battles break out (take sides or seek win-win outcomes)? There are literally thousands of such choices inside organizations of all kinds and sizes. Most people make them as a matter of habits and convention, thus adding to the inertia of the status quo. It is amazing how much energy people waste in complaining about others but let opportunities slip through their finger tips in the meantime. It doesn’t take supernatural moral strengths to shift the momentum. It does require one to be conscious enough of the boundaries of existing flow patterns where things begin to break down and to have the courage and skills to redirect dysfunctional energy in a more constructive and productive direction (towards a higher order of cosmological flow). The insights, courage and skills required to redirectcosmological flows are the essence of leadership in our age.