Decoding Daniel Schmachtenberger on "The MetaCrisis of the AI Era"
Insights from Iain McGilchrist, John Vervaeke, and Daniel Schmachtenberger on the antidote to modern despair
These days, it seems we all face tough social problems that hit close to home. Relationships strain under the weight of superficial interactions; genuine connections are harder to forge in an era dominated by digital facades. Loneliness pervades, even in crowded rooms or bustling online spaces, revealing a hunger for meaningful engagement that seems increasingly difficult to satisfy.
These issues mirror conversations I’ve had with friends from across the globe, who also noticed the loss of depth in our everyday dialogues.
This reflects a broader systemic failure — a world grappling with challenges that seem too vast and interconnected for us to tackle individually.
I realised that I cannot be writing about interconnectedness of love and cooperation without weaving Daniel Schmachtenberger’s conversation into my piece — a true thought leader in my opinion, and one of the people who inspired me to articulate my thoughts better.
This post is detailed AND lengthy, packed with essential insights that I’m extremely eager to share with you. It’s organised into three distinct parts for clarity;
The Metacrisis of Our Era — introduces the concept of “metacrisis”, exploring its meaning and our collective connection to the crises we face.
Humanity Stories in History Context — provides a journey through world history, spotlighting eight significant eras touching on humanity’s quest for knowledge, freedom and justice.
Today’s Most Important Conversation — I share my personal reflections and key takeaways from a stimulating conversation between Daniel, John and Iain. While I recognised that Daniel’s perspectives might not resonate with everyone, I encourage you to approach this with an open mind. There are valuable lessons to be gleaned here about the core of our humanity, and the critical issues at stake.
Daniel is a unique thinker, known for his deep understanding of the complex challenges facing humanity, and his articulate insights into systemic solutions. His work, especially with the Consilience Project, aims to elevate public discourse by addressing the interconnectedness of societal, environmental, and technological crises. His approach? Through increased sense-making and dialogue.
The Metacrisis Of Our Era
“The metacrisis is the underlying crisis driving a multitude of crises, not just ecological collapse”
Jonathan Rowson outlined that our relationship to the crisis is part of the crisis (it’s very meta, I know!)
To truly illustrate what it means by the metacrisis of our era, we can look at a few concrete examples that impact us all, yet are often overlooked or underestimated in their interconnected significance.
Wars Happening Around the World — Conflicts persist in numerous regions, revealing a continuous struggle for power, sovereignty, and survival. The Ukraine War is a grim clash between national integrity and foreign ambition, reshaping European security dynamics. In the Middle East, the Syrian Civil War remains a catastrophic multi-sided conflict, devastating millions. Yemen’s humanitarian crisis worsens under civil war conditions and regional power struggles.
Misaligned incentive structure — Profit motives can drive foreign policy and conflict engagement decisions. The vested interests of defense contractors and their influence on policy-making has led to prolonged military interventions, even when they may not serve long-term peace and stability interests. This contributes to ongoing conflicts and global instability. (Check out: Bellingcat, an Amsterdam-based investigative journalism group specialises in fact-checking and open-source intelligence (OSINT) known for uncovering the truth behind complex and often obscured international issues. Here’s one of their useful guide on promoting corporate transparency — “Following the Money: A Beginner’s Guide to Using the OpenCorporate API”)
Environmental Degradation — Including climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, is a result of interconnected systemic failures across economic, political, and social domains. The sustained overuse of natural resources has caused unprecedented levels of environmental destruction, including the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Misaligned incentive structure — Greta Thunberg, a famous activist who delivered the “How Dare You” speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 is at the forefront of this climate change fight against global leaders. She emphasised the dire consequences of ignoring science, suffering, death and the collapse of ecosystems, marking an onset of a mass extinction. (Read: A letter by Ignacio S. Galán – Executive Chairman of Iberdrola, a leading sustainable energy company, advocating for decarbonisation and energy independence through electrification)
Technological Advancement and Governance — There is a concerning gap between our technological capabilities and our capacity to wield them wisely. Daniel often points out that humanity has developed technological powers that are ‘god-like’, yet our collective wisdom, ethical frameworks, and societal structures have not evolved at a comparable pace to manage these powers responsibly. The Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal in 2018 exposed how personal data were harvested and used without consent to influence electoral outcomes, raising serious questions about privacy, political interference, and the ethical use of personal data.
Misaligned incentive structure — Amnesty International conducted a global survey on social media platforms involving 550 children and young people from 45 countries. It revealed widespread concerns over the addictive nature of the platform designs. The 2020 documentary “Social Dilemma” touched on the profound impacts of social media platforms on society, individual mental health, and democracy through engineered addictiveness, capitalisation of attention for profit, and manipulation of user behaviour and beliefs through data-driven algorithms.
“The technology that connects us also controls us, manipulates us, polarises us, distracts us, monetises us, divides us”
— Taken from “The Social Dilemma” website
Social and Political Polarisation — This is driven by the way information is shared and consumed today. The current media environment tends to amplify divisive content, because that’s what engages people the most. Investigations into events like the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol have highlighted the role of social media in spreading disinformation and extremism, that contributed to a climate of extreme divisiveness.
Misaligned incentive structure — The echo chambers created by social media algorithms where individuals are exposed only to viewpoints that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs, leading to increased polarisation. These platforms prioritise emotive, rage-induced messaging, organising users into communities based on tribal conflicts. This poses a threat to our collective problem-solving capabilities as finding common grounds in conversations become more difficult. (Read: “Saunas and Swastikas: Finland’s Summertime neo-Nazi Meet-Up” when Bellingcat uncovered a hate-group meet up attended by notorious neo-Nazis and international extremists or “YouTube is Autogenerating Videos for Songs Advocating the Expulsion of Muslims from India” details the spread of “Hindutva Pop” music on YouTube promoting Hindu nationalist ideologies and inciting violence against Muslim in India)
Mental Health Crisis — Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no doubt that we are becoming more stressed, anxious and depressed. In the face of the metacrises we’ve discussed, it’s hardly surprising that declining mental health has become a global concern. In 2023, US Department of Health and Human Services published “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”, with the Surgeon General comparing the devastating impact to the health risks of smoking daily, in terms of increasing the likelihood of premature death.
Misaligned incentive structures — The pharmaceutical industry’s focus on profit has often led to an over-reliance on medication as the primary solution to mental health issues, sidelining preventive measures and holistic treatments. This is driven by the industry’s incentive to sell drugs, even when lifestyle changes or understanding individual history through therapy may offer better outcomes without the side effects. (Read: my first post on introspection — “The Illusion of (self) Control” or “Johann Hari’s Journey of Discovery About Depression” on why connection to self and others matters)
For the history buff — you can skip this section entirely and go straight to the video below.
Humanity Stories in Historical Context
“You have to know the past to understand the present” — Carl Sagan
Over the last 2,000 years, human civilisations have seen the rise and fall of empires, the birth of democracy in its various forms, and the relentless quest for knowledge, freedom and justice. Understanding human nature through the lens of history reveals patterns and recurring themes that help shed light on the challenges and dynamics we see in the present day — and not only at societal level, but also on a personal level of where we fit in this historical narrative.
The Roman Empire — (27 BC - 476 AD)
With its unparalleled governance, military might, and architectural marvels, the Roman Empire demonstrates the height of organisational and engineering capabilities. Yet, its fall, brought about by over-expansion, economic disparity, and political corruption, serves as a cautionary tale on the limits of power and the necessity for sustainable growth and ethical governance. The literary works of the period, like Virgil’s “Aeneid”, not only glorify Rome’s founding myths, but also reflect on duty, sacrifice, and the burdens of leadership, themes that resonate with today’s discussions on national identity and the responsibilities of power. The Aeneid raises many issues that are still relevant today, including the roles of imperialism, the conflict between love and duty, the nature of heroism, and the eternal challenges of resolving personal and political conflicts.
The Renaissance — (1300 - 1600)
Fast forward to the Renaissance, a rebirth of art, science, and humanism in Europe, signifying the unshakeable spirit of inquiry and creativity. The works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, alongside the literary genius of Shakespeare, whose tragedies and comedies delve deep into the human psyche, love, ambition and foolishness, mirror today’s pursuit of innovation, beauty, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.
The Enlightenment of the 18th Century — (1685 - 1815)
With its emphasis on reason, individual rights, and skepticism of authority, the Enlightenment period planted seeds for modern societies. Philosophers like John Locke and Voltaire championed governance based on consent and critical thinking, a reminder in today’s age of misinformation and authoritarian tendencies of the importance of an informed and engaged citizenry.
The Industrial Revolution — (1760 - 1840)
This period fundamentally transformed societies from agricultural economies into industrial powerhouses. A vivid example of this era’s impact is seen in the city of Manchester, England, often dubbed the world’s first industrial city. Factories sprouted along its river, utilising water and steam to power machines, simultaneously polluting air and water. This period also highlighted the disparities between the burgeoning wealth of industrialists and the poverty of the working class, laying the groundwork for labour movements and social reforms.
World Wars I and II — (1914 - 1945)
World Wars I and II were cataclysmic events that reshaped the global order, brought unprecedented destruction, and fundamentally altered the course of the 20th century. Hiroshima’s destruction marked the first time nuclear weapons were used in warfare, highlighting the terrifying destructive capabilities humanity has achieved. The two wars taught us harsh lessons about the cost of nationalism, imperialism, and the failure of diplomacy. They underscored the need for international cooperation, leading to the establishment of institutions like the United Nations, aimed at preventing such conflicts in the future. The Holocaust’s horror underscores the depths of human cruelty, and the dire consequences of unchecked nationalism and racism, echoing today’s struggles against hate and xenophobia (prejudice against people from other countries).
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States — (1950 - 1968)
During a march on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, articulating a vision of a society where people would not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by their character. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for societal transformation. It’s a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and equality, the impact of collective action, and the ongoing struggle against discrimination and inequality in various forms.
Post-Civil Rights Era and the Late 20th Century — (1970s - 1990s)
Subsequent decades saw a shift towards more conservative politics in the U.S. and the rise of neoliberal economic policies globally. The end of Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the resignation of President Nixon marked significant political events. The 1980s were dominated by the Cold War’s final phase and significant technological advancements, setting the stage for the digital age. The fall of Berlin Wall in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of Cold War and a significant shift in global politics. The nature of global security concerns shifted from nuclear war threats between superpowers to issues like terrorism, cyber warfare, and regional conflicts. The 9/11 attacks in 2001 highlighted the impact of non-state actors’ roles in global security.
The Digital Revolution and Globalisation — (2000 - 2010s)
The turn of the millennium was marked by the rapid expansion of the internet and digital technologies, profoundly impacting every aspect of society, economy, and personal lives. This period saw the rise of social media, the beginnings of the gig economy, and significant advancements in information technology. Globalisation reached new heights, with increased interconnectedness leading to more significant cultural exchange but also to controversies over economic inequalities and cultural homogenisation. (Read: The book “The Spirit Level” on why more equal societies almost always do better)
Today’s Most Important Conversation
Let us circle back to Daniel Schmachtenberger — especially his conversation with John Vervaeke and Iain McGilchrist in September 2023 . Their discussion shines a light on the importance of seeing the bigger picture — how our individual actions and societal structures are interwoven with history and the emerging future. Focusing on the psychological drivers behind the metacrisis is a really interesting perspective to me, since most of the challenges we face rooted in human actions and decisions.
If you're short on time (or energy) to dive into a 3-hour discussion among three insightful individuals about significant topics, I've summarised six essential points for you below.
This conversation is a reminder that the issues we face today, from climate change to social polarisation and the loneliness pandemic, are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger narrative that has been unfolding over centuries.
1. McGilchrist’s Hemisphere Hypothesis
Iain McGilchrist is a renowned psychiatrist, writer, and former Oxford literary scholar, best known for his exploration of the divided brain and its implications for society, culture, and our overall understanding of human nature. His work, “The Master and His Emissary: the Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World”, delves into how the two hemispheres of the human brain perceive and interact with the world differently, proposing that the modern world significantly favours the left hemisphere’s approach, leading to imbalances in our lives and societies. He draws on a wealth of disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, philosophy and literature, to argue that the right hemisphere’s holistic, empathetic, and interconnected understanding of the world is essential for addressing the challenges of our times.
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who ruled over many lands. His people called him the Master. They flourished under his rule for, although he was hard-headed he was also kind-hearted, just, and generous, and he had a wide, open-minded understanding of their needs. As the Master’s realm prospered and grew larger, he appointed an Emissary to assist him in his work.
The Emissary was intellectually brilliant and soon discovered many ways of increasing the Master’s wealth and influence. But as time went on and his own power, riches and status increased, he began to question the Master’s judgement and fitness to rule. Perhaps it was time that he should become the supreme ruler? Slowly and with great cunning, the Emissary manoeuvred himself into control, usurping the power of his Master…
— Taken from Iain McGilchrist’s “The Master and his Emissary”
At the heart of Iain’s hypothesis is the idea that the optimal functioning of society and the individual relies on a balance between the two hemispheres. He argues that the modern world has increasingly favoured the left hemisphere’s narrow, utilitarian perspective, at the expense of the right hemisphere’s broader, more relational understanding.
2. “The Psychopaths Are In Charge”
This comment may have been made in passing but I think it captures the root cause of the many issues we are all facing right now. The statement encapsulates a critical perspective on leadership and power dynamics in contemporary society. It implies that those in positions of significant influence or authority often exhibit traits associated with psychopathy, such as a lack of empathy, a disregard for the wellbeing of others, and a focus on self-interest and power accumulation at the expense of the common good. (Watch Dr. Ramani’s take on “Why we need to stop romanticising narcissism & psychopathy”. I also wrote about a psychopathic surgeon who scammed his way up the medical world)
Modern systems — be it in politics, corporations, or other institutions — have been selecting for and rewarding behaviours that are detrimental to societal and environmental health (Read: Harvard Business Review articled published in 2004 (two decades ago!) - “Narcissistic Leaders: The Incredible Pros, the Inevitable Cons”). It’s an expression of the concern that our systems and structures may be fundamentally misaligned with the values of compassion, community, and sustainability, leading to decisions and policies that exacerbate the metacrises facing humanity rather than resolving them.
“They are finding that there is no substitute for narcissistic leaders in an age of innovation. Companies need leaders who do not try to anticipate the future so much as create it. But narcissistic leaders—even the most productive of them—can self-destruct and lead their organisations terribly astray. For companies whose narcissistic leaders recognise their limitations, these will be the best of times. For other companies, these could turn out to be the worst.”
— Taken from Michael Maccoby’s HBR article.
3. Gun, Food and Trust
Iain talked about trust and referenced a third-century Chinese emperor who said that for a civilisation to thrive, three things are crucial: guns, food and trust. The wisdom dictated that if one must give up one of these, it should be guns first; if forced to relinquish another, then give up food. However, if trust is lost, the civilisation cannot survive.
This shows a foundational role that trust plays in the cohesion and functionality of societies (especially on the individual level). It’s not just about the presence of security (guns) or the availability of resources (food), but the underlying trust that binds individuals, communities, and institutions. Without trust, the communal cohesion breaks down, leading to dysfunction, conflict, and the eventual decline of civilisations.
“Trust is what we are losing very, very fast. There’s a sort of way in which people now think, which is — “If I can get away with it, I should”. So in other words, we are relying on external pressures, external constraints, external restraints on us, and if they aren’t there, well, we can just do anything. It will be impossible to constrain and restrain everybody who wishes to do wicked things.”
— Iain McGilchrist’s critique on problematic behavioural trend
4. “Attention Changes What It Is You See”
John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and psychologist, did a deep dive into the duality of human perception and its capacity to either harm or heal, depending on where it’s directed. This concept is pivotal, emphasising how the quality and direction of our attention not only shape our perception but also the reality we contribute to creating.
“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity” — Simone Weil
John highlighted a profound contrast of the two hemispheres: “The left hemisphere closes down to a certainty; the right hemisphere opens up to a possibility.” This distinction is crucial in understanding how our focus can lead to vastly different outcomes. When attention is narrow, fixated on the familiar or the immediate, it can reinforce negative patterns or perspectives. This is akin to using a magnifying glass; what we choose to zoom in on becomes our reality, while the rest fades into the background, often unnoticed.
Conversely, an open and expansive attention, characteristic of the right hemisphere’s approach, cultivates a world of possibilities. This broader, more inclusive perspective allows us to see the interconnectedness of things, appreciating the complexity and beauty of the world. It’s the difference between focusing solely on negative news, which can skew our view of humanity, versus noticing and valuing acts of kindness and cooperation, which are equally present but less sensational.
“Whether we like it or not — we have a moral responsibility to be careful about how we use and how we dispose our attention, because we can create bad things by attending in a certain way. Or, we can produce a good result by attending in another way with a different disposition of one’s heart and mind.”
— Iain’s take on individual’s responsibility on attention
5. “Don’t Despair, It’s Bad For The Soul”
Here, we have three thinkers, each acutely aware of the complex challenges facing our world, yet their conversation is filled with an unmistakable air of optimism. This is a glimpse into their deep-seated love for humanity and its potential. It’s driven by their collective belief in human resilience and the capacity for meaningful change. It’s a paradoxical blend of clear-eyed realism about our global crises and unwavering hope for the future.
“Don’t despair. That’s achieving nothing whatsoever, and it’s bad for the soul. Nobody is asked to do the impossible. We can only do the best that we can. That means doing things in our own life and furthering larger causes in the way that we are best in a position to do.”
— Iain emphasised on how one should find ways to embrace life that is beautiful and rich
6. Education, Media & Economics
A recurring theme emerged in the discussion — the necessity to reimagine the fundamental structures and systems that underpin society. All three of them converged on a critical diagnosis that while specialisation has advanced our civilisation in numerous areas, it’s our capacity for integration that has lagged significantly behind, Daniel added.
In Education — “free the teachers from the dead weight of bureaucracy”, exclaimed Iain. Imagine educators are entrusted with the freedom to craft their lessons with creativity, to respond to the unique needs and curiosities of their students, and to instill a love of learning that goes beyond knowledge acquisition. The freedom would empower teachers to foster environments where critical-thinking, problem-solving, and the joy of discovery are at the forefront of educational experience. Taking us back to the true essence of education — a journey of exploration, growth, and transformation, facilitated by those who have been liberated to practice their craft with the fullness of their passion and creativity.
In Media — In the era of information overload, the role of media as a disseminator of knowledge has never been more critical. Reimagined media involves transforming it into a platform that fosters critical thinking, encourages nuanced discussions, and prioritises the dissemination of well-researched multifaceted stories over sensationalism and clickbait. The revamped media landscape would be committed to educating the public, promoting understanding across diverse communities, and facilitating constructive dialogues on pressing global issues by offering perspectives from all parties involved, including those whose voices are typically marginalised.
In Economics — A reimagined economic model would address the issues by integrating social and environmental metrics into the definition of economic success, moving towards a more holistic understanding of prosperity of a dynamic and resilient economy. Good news is, we are seeing the rise in social enterprises and businesses that contribute to solving societal challenges through innovative business models, proving that economic activities can have a positive impact on the world. Companies do have to “do good” in order to “do well”.
The Solution and Forward Path
If you’ve managed to read to the end — thank you. That was heavy and a lot to take in. But you’re here, and that means you’re willing to face the uncomfortable truths, the kind that don’t fit neatly into your world view. It requires challenging every preconceived notion you’ve hold dear, asking the hard questions not just of society, but of yourself — where do we stand in the chaos of our creation, and how do we begin to untangle it?
Mindfulness as Rebellion 🧘🏻♀️ — I’m not exactly a zen-type of person but this is about finding clarity amidst the noise. Recognise the part we play in the grand scheme, and making choices from a place of conscious awareness, not convenience.
Knowledge as Weapon 📚 — Arm yourself with knowledge that cuts through the noise. Seek out voices that challenge the status quo, that speak uncomfortable truths. Let your learning be a form of resistance against ignorance and apathy.
Live Consciously 🧠 — Every choice, every action, contributes to the canvas on which our collective future is painted. Consuming, voting, speaking — do these with the full weight of your conviction behind them.
Community as Battleground 👥 — Engagement is a necessity. The systems at play won’t change from the top-down. Find your tribe, rally and push back. Grassroots movements are the lifeblood of societal transformation.
And lastly……
“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring” — George Santayana
View the conversation on Reddit.
Related topics I’ve written about
The Illusion of (self) Control — Do we really have control of our thoughts, behaviours and actions if we don’t understand who we are. And in order to understand ourselves, we must reflect on our past. A post for you to ponder the importance of introspection.
Navigating Systemic Failures — After binging “Bad Surgeon” on Netflix and shaking my head at the length people go through to normalise bad behaviours and the upsetting trend of narcissistic traits in leadership positions, and our ‘blindness’ to it.
Why Are We So Bad At Getting the One Thing We All Want? — There’s a silent societal struggle for authentic relationships and the odds are stacked against us. Start by being aware of the uncomfortable truth and direct your attention to things that are meaningful to you.
Are We Built For Connection — A critique to the psychological barriers to working together and how our society shapes us to be constantly competitive.
Are You Conscious or Are You Conditioned? — Here I introduced the concept of Pavlov’s Dog and how unaware we can be of our own mental conditioning that leads to disproportionate emotional display. Understand your emotions by embracing all the feels — just like what Pixar’s Inside Out has taught all of us.
Because “Let’s Catch Up” Should Mean Something — I wrote about friendship and a reconnection experience with a high school friend after 20 years of lost contact. Simply having a genuine and curious interest in the people we had both become took our conversations deep.
What is Happening With Love? — There’s a notion that to love others deeply, one must first cultivate a profound love for oneself. I introduced why love is important to our overall being using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to explain the drivers in human motivation.
Postcard from Trafalgar Theatre, London
Footnotes:
Images are created by OpenAI’s DALL-E
Research work supported by ChatGPT
Chusana, I've been writing a whole book about this territory - for years, I'm afraid! - and you've elegantly captured it in this post. The three-way conversation with Iain, John and Daniel was indeed a great and worthwhile watch, and you've synthesised it really well. This was a really valuable read. Many thanks for taking the time.
I tend to apply the entirety of my focus on that which I have a front row seat, and first hand potential to control, exploring concepts regarding my mind as an individual and as a member of this human race. I suppose it's my own personal form of activism, since I believe that I must be at my best if I hope to be of benefit to anyone else.
This is all to say that I don't typically engage in these sort of conversations, so take my two cents for what you will. I really enjoyed this piece and personally, I wasn't able to find fault in any of it. It stretched me a bit to read it all (including the historical portion). Thank you for applying all of the effort to write it out and sharing it with the world. I love when I happen to encounter intelligent and thoughtful people such as yourself. I definitely need more of that sort in my life.