The Role of Deliberate Plans versus Happenstance in Human History
Throughout the vast span of human history, the question of whether deliberate plans or happenstance have shaped the course of events has remained a central and enduring one. From my perspective, human history has predominantly been a function of self-serving and often self-destructive behaviors, guided by individualistic instincts rather than conscious and deliberate plans.
Relying on Religious or Governmental Forces
A significant portion of human history has been driven by religious or governmental forces. These entities have often sought to direct human behavior through mandates, laws, and cultural norms. However, even with these guiding forces, the overall trajectory of history has frequently been shaped by individual and collective actions that often lack a broad, long-term plan. This has led to cycles of success and failure, often repeating patterns that result in the rise and fall of civilizations.
Instinctive vs. Conscious Actions
To a large extent, human history has been a series of instinctive actions driven by our inherent and self-serving natures. As a species, we have often acted out of immediate self-interest, justifying our actions through subjective and often self-deceived reasoning. These actions have been devoid of any true mind or intellect, leading to what feels like a relentless cycle of building and destroying civilizations. Each civilization that rises and falls serves as a reminder of our tendency to repeat the same mistakes, trapped in a vicious cycle of growth and collapse.
The Birth of Conscious Progress
The shift toward more deliberate and conscious progress begins with the recognition of our innate self-destructive tendencies. It requires a new approach, one that acknowledges the need for free choice and the inherent flaws of human nature. Free choice, when rooted in awareness and understanding, can be a powerful tool for creating a better future. Recognizing our self-destructive nature as a cancer within the body politic is the first step towards addressing it. Only by facing our tendencies head-on can we hope to create lasting change.
Conscious Progress and Free Choice
The journey towards conscious progress is not just about acknowledging our flaws but also about taking active steps to mitigate them. It involves making conscious choices, whether political, social, or personal, that prioritize long-term goals over immediate gratification. This requires a collective effort, and it starts with each individual recognizing and addressing their own contributions to the cycle of destruction and rebuilding.
Conclusion
The history of humanity is a complex dance of deliberate plans and happenstance. While religious and governmental forces have played significant roles, the true driver of history has often been the instinctive and self-interested actions of individuals. To break this cycle and achieve conscious progress, we must embrace free choice and confront our inherent flaws. By doing so, we can begin to build a future free from the destructive cycles that have plagued human civilization throughout its history.