To try and not censor myself, I'd like to say that Environment might not just be one of those crises that we face. It is the context in which all other crises take place. We can do something about all other crises only if we still have the livable temperatures, if we still have water to drink and if droughts, fires, floods and heatwaves don't destroy our crops. On the drawing Environment is given equal 'weight' as all other crises, but biophysically speaking, that is not the case - it is by far the most important if we still want to exist as living beings. It is true that it happens at the same time as all other crises, but it doesn't have equal weight with them. To my mind.
And another related thought: what happens when we replace the word 'environment' with web of LIfe? Does that change things in a person's mind or heart? Is there a difference between these two phrases: "industries don't take care of environment and its resources", and "industries don't take care of the Web of LIfe of which we, humans, are a part"? And we are those industries too... we work for them and we buy what they sell. So - does it reverberate differently if we think about Web of LIfe, or the (non-descript) environment? For me it does. Anybody else?
I really appreciate this perspective, and I think you've touched on something crucial - that the environment isn't one crisis among many, it's THE foundation on which all other crises unfold. Without stable ecosystems, every social, political and economic concern becomes ... well, less important. It deserves greater weight in how we frame the crisis. I'll be looking into adjusting my graphic for when I cover the metacrisis next.
"Web of Life" does shift perception and removes the illusion of separation. I think it will allow people to feel a deeper and more personal responsibility towards the environment that we, at most times, take for granted. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and well done for fighting the urge to not censor yourself :)
I consider carefully where I focus my energy and attention. In general this means I focus on the change I'm trying to make by supporting others (and making a living from it!).
At the same time I find myself called to action by that quote about evil flourishing 'when good men do nothing'. Assuming this is for 'human', not 'men' I have realised the danger of seeking to understand which is motivated by the need to feel 'in control'.
This leads to reading different analyses of 'what is REALLY going on in America and individual motivations/intentions'. This leads to discomfort and feelings of fear. I've had recent discussions exploring this need to feel in control and recognising the significant challenge of accepting uncertainty and not knowing.
Putting this into words has been helpful for me.
Even the quote is problematic as it reinforces polarisation and simple narratives where people are good or bad.
I am still left wondering what action I need to take (if any) to "not stand by".
Alex, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. You've definitely described something that's deeply human - this push and pull between the feeling of being in control. It reminds me of something I explored in my piece "Are You Curious or Are You Certain?". It's about the challenge of holding space for uncertainty without letting it overwhelm us. When we seek certainty, we usually end up reinforcing rigid narratives, whether it's politics, society or even ourselves. But curiosity helps us stay open, to question and to move forward without needing all the answers right away.
I also think that it's a very natural response to realising how our world really operates. Daniel Schmachtenberger outlined this really interesting explanation for how individuals respond to heightened risks.
1. Pre-tragic phase = denial of crisis, belief in minor fixes, lack of awareness of systemic issues
2. Tragic phase = recognition of severity of crises, feelings of despair and hopelessness, overwhelmed by systemic issues
3. Post-tragic phase = integration of awareness, finding meaning in action, commitment to positive change
I think we would all like to be in the third phase most of the time! Your reflection is lovely - a reminder to not let fear dictate our perspective.
This is a wonderfully composed and thought-provoking article, Chusana. Thank you for publishing it - and also thanks to Jesús for bringing it to my attention!
From my perspective, these are the key takeaways:
- Strengthen collective sensemaking initiatives to counteract fear-based propaganda.
- Promote narrative stewardship that connects stakeholders at local, national, and global levels through transformative, life-affirming stories.
- Empower societal changemakers to foster psychological resilience, equipping citizens and communities with the knowledge and tools to resist authoritarian control and cultivate critical reflection.
If these "What's" resonate, then we have important work to do. While we may already agree on the 'Why' behind these objectives, it is the 'How' that demands our immediate attention and action.
To that end, I propose that Dignity serves as the guiding "meta-value" at the heart of our collective agency and effort. Dignity is a meta-value because it underpins and elevates all other values essential to a flourishing life. It ensures that each individual's inherent worth is recognised and respected, fostering the trust, agency, and empathy needed for sustainable societal transformation.
At a more nuanced level, embracing dignity in our collective thinking, behaviour, and actions can help us achieve the following outcomes that are so relevant to how you describe our "metacrisis challenge" ...
1. Rebuilding Trust and Connection
Dignity affirms that every person is inherently valuable and deserving of respect. This creates the foundation for rebuilding trust across individuals, communities, and institutions. It promotes mutual understanding, countering the fear and division that fuel authoritarianism and social fragmentation.
2. Empowering Agency and Resilience
Recognising dignity fosters self-worth and agency, helping individuals overcome psychological oppression such as self-censorship, learned helplessness, and dependency on external validation. This empowerment is crucial for people to engage critically with their environment and assert their role in shaping collective narratives.
3. Human-Centric Solutions
Dignity ensures that societal solutions are people-centred, prioritising well-being, equity, and inclusion. By embedding dignity as a meta-value, we emphasise that systemic transformation should enhance conditions for all people to thrive, rather than serving the interests of a select few.
4. Creating Spaces for Dialogue
Respect for dignity fosters open, compassionate dialogue, even across ideological divides. This supports your emphasis on meaningful conversations that cultivate empathy, reduce fear and disconnection, and foster cooperation.
5. Resisting Manipulation and Authoritarianism
Systems rooted in dignity are less vulnerable to fear-based manipulation. Dignity reinforces critical thinking, autonomy, and the protection of fundamental rights, enabling individuals to resist propaganda and simplistic narratives by engaging in complex, truth-seeking reflection.
I'm therefore proposing that, by anchoring our efforts around dignity, we can strengthen our capacity to navigate these turbulent times and build a flourishing world that we know is still possible if we work collectively with greater levels of alignment and coordination.
If this resonates with you, then let’s connect and get to work!
I had to google the term "dignity" just now for clarification. It's "the state or quality of being worthy of honour and respect". So I really like your idea of framing 'dignity' as a meta-value. It's a necessary ingredient for rebuilding trust, and one can only see the value of dignity over a long period of time. A skill that most of us aren't really good at.... seeing things in longer term perspective!
Your perspective will definitely challenge the short-term mindset that dominates so much of our world right now. And if dignity is truly a long-term value, then anchoring ourselves in it will require patience and willingness to resist the pull of instant gratification. It really makes me wonder how can we get better at embracing dignity when our world is heading towards speed, convenience and power... over reflection, nuance, and respect. I'd love to see how we can collaborate!
I hear you, Jan - Schmachtenberger's insights and perspectives into what humanity is facing can be heavy. I took over three days to digest one of his 4-hour long conversation. To truly grasp the impact of the metacrisis, it's only natural to feel overwhelmed. But awareness, especially when it's painful, is the very first step toward agency. We are not alone in feeling this.... even a 40-year old Thai woman sitting in Bangkok is feeling the same. I hope you give yourself space (and kindness) to process it. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to focus on small and meaningful actions in our own lives. Sending you my good vibes.
Thank you. I’m giving myself ample time to process what seems like the five stages of grief regarding the metacrisis, which I (like Daniel) cannot see a way to make it through. I’m writing about it, trying to spread awareness, because we need more minds on this.
I love that we are writing on very similar things and drawing insights based on science and logic. For me, one of the most important aspect in dealing with challenges as huge as the metacrisis, is the ability to have these daily conversations with my husband. And it’s in these interactions that have kept me sane and clear headed. I definitely have had my depressive moments - especially during last year - but I’m learning to get better at sharing. Thanks for writing about it - I have subscribed!
Thanks for the share. I agree with what the video covered. I actually wrote about similar effect like Daniel Schmachtenberger outlined in his essay on how individuals react to heightened risks.
1. Pre-tragic phase = denial of crisis, belief in minor fixes, lack of awareness of systemic issues
2. Tragic phase = recognition of severity of crises, feelings of despair and hopelessness, overwhelmed by systemic issues
3. Post-tragic phase = integration of awareness, finding meaning in action, commitment to positive change
Not surrendering to fear seems to be the takeaway message here.
To try and not censor myself, I'd like to say that Environment might not just be one of those crises that we face. It is the context in which all other crises take place. We can do something about all other crises only if we still have the livable temperatures, if we still have water to drink and if droughts, fires, floods and heatwaves don't destroy our crops. On the drawing Environment is given equal 'weight' as all other crises, but biophysically speaking, that is not the case - it is by far the most important if we still want to exist as living beings. It is true that it happens at the same time as all other crises, but it doesn't have equal weight with them. To my mind.
And another related thought: what happens when we replace the word 'environment' with web of LIfe? Does that change things in a person's mind or heart? Is there a difference between these two phrases: "industries don't take care of environment and its resources", and "industries don't take care of the Web of LIfe of which we, humans, are a part"? And we are those industries too... we work for them and we buy what they sell. So - does it reverberate differently if we think about Web of LIfe, or the (non-descript) environment? For me it does. Anybody else?
I really appreciate this perspective, and I think you've touched on something crucial - that the environment isn't one crisis among many, it's THE foundation on which all other crises unfold. Without stable ecosystems, every social, political and economic concern becomes ... well, less important. It deserves greater weight in how we frame the crisis. I'll be looking into adjusting my graphic for when I cover the metacrisis next.
"Web of Life" does shift perception and removes the illusion of separation. I think it will allow people to feel a deeper and more personal responsibility towards the environment that we, at most times, take for granted. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and well done for fighting the urge to not censor yourself :)
Love this. Thank you
Thanks for writing this helpful peace.
I consider carefully where I focus my energy and attention. In general this means I focus on the change I'm trying to make by supporting others (and making a living from it!).
At the same time I find myself called to action by that quote about evil flourishing 'when good men do nothing'. Assuming this is for 'human', not 'men' I have realised the danger of seeking to understand which is motivated by the need to feel 'in control'.
This leads to reading different analyses of 'what is REALLY going on in America and individual motivations/intentions'. This leads to discomfort and feelings of fear. I've had recent discussions exploring this need to feel in control and recognising the significant challenge of accepting uncertainty and not knowing.
Putting this into words has been helpful for me.
Even the quote is problematic as it reinforces polarisation and simple narratives where people are good or bad.
I am still left wondering what action I need to take (if any) to "not stand by".
I hope my reflections help others.
Alex, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. You've definitely described something that's deeply human - this push and pull between the feeling of being in control. It reminds me of something I explored in my piece "Are You Curious or Are You Certain?". It's about the challenge of holding space for uncertainty without letting it overwhelm us. When we seek certainty, we usually end up reinforcing rigid narratives, whether it's politics, society or even ourselves. But curiosity helps us stay open, to question and to move forward without needing all the answers right away.
I also think that it's a very natural response to realising how our world really operates. Daniel Schmachtenberger outlined this really interesting explanation for how individuals respond to heightened risks.
1. Pre-tragic phase = denial of crisis, belief in minor fixes, lack of awareness of systemic issues
2. Tragic phase = recognition of severity of crises, feelings of despair and hopelessness, overwhelmed by systemic issues
3. Post-tragic phase = integration of awareness, finding meaning in action, commitment to positive change
I think we would all like to be in the third phase most of the time! Your reflection is lovely - a reminder to not let fear dictate our perspective.
Embarrassed by the piece/peace typo
It's ok - no one needs to know..... :D
This is a wonderfully composed and thought-provoking article, Chusana. Thank you for publishing it - and also thanks to Jesús for bringing it to my attention!
From my perspective, these are the key takeaways:
- Strengthen collective sensemaking initiatives to counteract fear-based propaganda.
- Promote narrative stewardship that connects stakeholders at local, national, and global levels through transformative, life-affirming stories.
- Empower societal changemakers to foster psychological resilience, equipping citizens and communities with the knowledge and tools to resist authoritarian control and cultivate critical reflection.
If these "What's" resonate, then we have important work to do. While we may already agree on the 'Why' behind these objectives, it is the 'How' that demands our immediate attention and action.
To that end, I propose that Dignity serves as the guiding "meta-value" at the heart of our collective agency and effort. Dignity is a meta-value because it underpins and elevates all other values essential to a flourishing life. It ensures that each individual's inherent worth is recognised and respected, fostering the trust, agency, and empathy needed for sustainable societal transformation.
At a more nuanced level, embracing dignity in our collective thinking, behaviour, and actions can help us achieve the following outcomes that are so relevant to how you describe our "metacrisis challenge" ...
1. Rebuilding Trust and Connection
Dignity affirms that every person is inherently valuable and deserving of respect. This creates the foundation for rebuilding trust across individuals, communities, and institutions. It promotes mutual understanding, countering the fear and division that fuel authoritarianism and social fragmentation.
2. Empowering Agency and Resilience
Recognising dignity fosters self-worth and agency, helping individuals overcome psychological oppression such as self-censorship, learned helplessness, and dependency on external validation. This empowerment is crucial for people to engage critically with their environment and assert their role in shaping collective narratives.
3. Human-Centric Solutions
Dignity ensures that societal solutions are people-centred, prioritising well-being, equity, and inclusion. By embedding dignity as a meta-value, we emphasise that systemic transformation should enhance conditions for all people to thrive, rather than serving the interests of a select few.
4. Creating Spaces for Dialogue
Respect for dignity fosters open, compassionate dialogue, even across ideological divides. This supports your emphasis on meaningful conversations that cultivate empathy, reduce fear and disconnection, and foster cooperation.
5. Resisting Manipulation and Authoritarianism
Systems rooted in dignity are less vulnerable to fear-based manipulation. Dignity reinforces critical thinking, autonomy, and the protection of fundamental rights, enabling individuals to resist propaganda and simplistic narratives by engaging in complex, truth-seeking reflection.
I'm therefore proposing that, by anchoring our efforts around dignity, we can strengthen our capacity to navigate these turbulent times and build a flourishing world that we know is still possible if we work collectively with greater levels of alignment and coordination.
If this resonates with you, then let’s connect and get to work!
I had to google the term "dignity" just now for clarification. It's "the state or quality of being worthy of honour and respect". So I really like your idea of framing 'dignity' as a meta-value. It's a necessary ingredient for rebuilding trust, and one can only see the value of dignity over a long period of time. A skill that most of us aren't really good at.... seeing things in longer term perspective!
Your perspective will definitely challenge the short-term mindset that dominates so much of our world right now. And if dignity is truly a long-term value, then anchoring ourselves in it will require patience and willingness to resist the pull of instant gratification. It really makes me wonder how can we get better at embracing dignity when our world is heading towards speed, convenience and power... over reflection, nuance, and respect. I'd love to see how we can collaborate!
Schmactenberger’s message to humanity re the metacrisis (not in that video) plunged me into severe depression.
I hear you, Jan - Schmachtenberger's insights and perspectives into what humanity is facing can be heavy. I took over three days to digest one of his 4-hour long conversation. To truly grasp the impact of the metacrisis, it's only natural to feel overwhelmed. But awareness, especially when it's painful, is the very first step toward agency. We are not alone in feeling this.... even a 40-year old Thai woman sitting in Bangkok is feeling the same. I hope you give yourself space (and kindness) to process it. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to focus on small and meaningful actions in our own lives. Sending you my good vibes.
Thank you. I’m giving myself ample time to process what seems like the five stages of grief regarding the metacrisis, which I (like Daniel) cannot see a way to make it through. I’m writing about it, trying to spread awareness, because we need more minds on this.
I love that we are writing on very similar things and drawing insights based on science and logic. For me, one of the most important aspect in dealing with challenges as huge as the metacrisis, is the ability to have these daily conversations with my husband. And it’s in these interactions that have kept me sane and clear headed. I definitely have had my depressive moments - especially during last year - but I’m learning to get better at sharing. Thanks for writing about it - I have subscribed!
Well … there’s a META-metacrises —- of which all you describe are symptoms of.
We are in the “great acceleration” phase of our industrial civilization’s inevitable collapse. This explains it simply:
https://youtu.be/5QeYM1L0FfY?si=m-xHqt_BNC98sBsF
Thanks for the share. I agree with what the video covered. I actually wrote about similar effect like Daniel Schmachtenberger outlined in his essay on how individuals react to heightened risks.
1. Pre-tragic phase = denial of crisis, belief in minor fixes, lack of awareness of systemic issues
2. Tragic phase = recognition of severity of crises, feelings of despair and hopelessness, overwhelmed by systemic issues
3. Post-tragic phase = integration of awareness, finding meaning in action, commitment to positive change
Not surrendering to fear seems to be the takeaway message here.