Thanks, I'm glad it resonated. I really like that framing. “Healthy interdependence” acknowledges that unity isn’t about conformity or constant agreement. It’s about choosing connection, cooperation, and responsibility. That definition feels rooted in realism, but still leaves room for aspiration. I may have to discuss in a future piece.
The British anthropologist Harvey Whitehouse has a new book out entitled "Inheritance: The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World." His thesis is that we are guided by three innate human qualities: (i) the need to conform; (ii) the need to believe; and (iii) the need to belong. If human evolution has matured to a point to understanding that the belief system of altruism is superior to selfishness (as confirmed by the research of E.O. Wilson (father of sociobiology)), then there is a much reason to believe that we can continue to improve on building models of healthy interdependence. We can get better at teaching skills of connection, cooperation and responsibility which help shape the way we conform and the way we belong. Happy to help flesh this out more as you continue the series. Keep going Scott - you are helping us all learn!
PSA: If you want to test and sharpen your public discourse skills, Toastmasters.org provides an excellent forum open to all. Most active Clubs have 15-20 Members. Public Speaking and Leadership skills are taught in a "Learn by doing" environment. Community, Corporate, and Advanced Clubs encourage the beginner and challenge the advanced speaker. The COVID era spawned a new format on the Zoom platform. Why not explore Toastmasters International and begin your journey today?
Thought provoking as usual. What do you think of defining unity as the continued pursuit of healthy interdependence?
Thanks, I'm glad it resonated. I really like that framing. “Healthy interdependence” acknowledges that unity isn’t about conformity or constant agreement. It’s about choosing connection, cooperation, and responsibility. That definition feels rooted in realism, but still leaves room for aspiration. I may have to discuss in a future piece.
The British anthropologist Harvey Whitehouse has a new book out entitled "Inheritance: The Evolutionary Origins of the Modern World." His thesis is that we are guided by three innate human qualities: (i) the need to conform; (ii) the need to believe; and (iii) the need to belong. If human evolution has matured to a point to understanding that the belief system of altruism is superior to selfishness (as confirmed by the research of E.O. Wilson (father of sociobiology)), then there is a much reason to believe that we can continue to improve on building models of healthy interdependence. We can get better at teaching skills of connection, cooperation and responsibility which help shape the way we conform and the way we belong. Happy to help flesh this out more as you continue the series. Keep going Scott - you are helping us all learn!
PSA: If you want to test and sharpen your public discourse skills, Toastmasters.org provides an excellent forum open to all. Most active Clubs have 15-20 Members. Public Speaking and Leadership skills are taught in a "Learn by doing" environment. Community, Corporate, and Advanced Clubs encourage the beginner and challenge the advanced speaker. The COVID era spawned a new format on the Zoom platform. Why not explore Toastmasters International and begin your journey today?