At our last meeting, we discussed the factors that might contribute to the flourishing of society and the planet. Some interesting points were raised and there was a suggestion that we make efforts to work actively to create a “new positive and flourishing reality.”
Working towards the foundation of such a society (and avoiding the word ‘rules’), there must be principles that all members agree an, a goal which may be difficult to achieve. Contributors to this effort will arrive at the start with their own beliefs, attitudes and outlooks. In this possibly contradictory environment, is consensus impossible to reach?
But what if we attempted to start from first principles with no previous “baggage”? If the default position is a “blank slate,” with the elimination of all preconceived beliefs, ideas or attitudes, what are the fundamental principles that we can all agree on?
My opening statement could simply be, “do no harm.” But what factors determine what this means in terms of the society it generates, and are there exceptions? Would this inevitably lead to the collapse of any system?
Can we reconcile the demands of individual and tribal survival built into human nature with the objective of the achievement of the common good?
Discuss.
