“This is not a solution. It’s a way of thinking about the problem.” Daniel Schmactenberger
The metacrisis is the underlying crisis driving the multitude of crises that we see in the world.
The first step in coming to terms with the metacrisis is perceiving the paradigms behind it. We begin by discussing how our conventional, fragmented ways of seeing the world are in fact part of the problem. We recognise our collective views and invite participants to challenge them by thinking systemically, considering wholeness and complexity, and differentiating narrow lenses from wide perspectives on reality.
“If we have the capacity to destroy the earth, so, too, do we have the capacity to protect it.” Dalai Lama
We live in an extraordinary time.
We have exceeded many planetary boundaries, and are on the brink of numerous physical and social tipping points. The environmental crisis, rising inequality, energy and food insecurity, social polarisation, geopolitical tensions, increasing mis- and dis-information, the AI arms race, and more. Any of them is potentially catastrophic. What – if anything – do these seemingly diverse crises have in common?
“The real problem of humanity is the following: we have Paleolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and god-like technology.” Edward O. Wilson
As humans, we are intrinsically connected to the natural world.
However, we are also different to all other living beings – and those differences have put us in a uniquely powerful position. How we choose to use that power is a critical aspect of our predicament. A crucial aspect of understanding the metacrisis is understanding ourselves: our journey as a species, and our context within the story of our planet.
“The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think.” Gregory Bateson
We have to think through how to choose a meaningful life where we’re helping one another in ways that really help the Earth.” Elinor Ostrom
Behind facts are behaviours, structures and patterns, and beyond those are mindsets, beliefs and values. What are our collective values and the belief systems at play? Where do they come from and how have they evolved? Understanding the metacrisis requires an awareness of our sense-making frameworks – and what sits behind them.
“We have to think through how to choose a meaningful life where we’re helping one another in ways that really help the Earth.” Elinor Ostrom
Our story is not over – there are potentially many pages yet to be written.
However, if we rush headlong into action based on existing systems and paradigms, we risk repeating the same mistakes. Throughout history, humans have demonstrated incredible adaptability. We can change. So the question now is: If we want things to change, what might we need to change?
“Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one.” Voltaire
Our last session is in no way ‘final’.
There is not a ‘solution’ to the metacrisis – no definitive ‘answers’ to the questions that will have arisen. And so, we will conclude the Discovery with a set of questions that will enable participants to further develop their understanding and awareness of the metacrisis.
Together, as Metacrisis Diplomats, we may find responses to better manage the discomfort and uncertainty that lie ahead.
Let’s see what emerges …