A Global Perspective on Wisdom

It’s crucial to acknowledge that I carry a more progressive bias than many, which is often reinforced by my studies in science, history, and politics. Recognizing this bias encourages me to remain open-minded and reminds me that everyone I engage with has their unique perspective shaped by personal experiences.

Fortunately, there are knowledgeable individuals, both historical and contemporary, who can provide valuable insights. For instance, Kelly Lynne Mulvey from North Carolina University explored bias among children, revealing that identity-based bullying—rooted in aspects like race, gender, and sexual orientation—poses significant challenges and is harder to address than other forms of bullying.

Such research highlights the urgent need for social reforms that confront our self-deceptive narratives regarding hierarchy, achievement, sexism, and racism. Our inability to recognize our biases, coupled with an overemphasis on identity rather than shared strengths, creates obstacles not only for business and community success but also for addressing broader global issues.

Yuval Harari asserts that all human achievements and failures can be traced back to our stories. He suggests that societal cohesion relies on this narrative tendency, stating, “This mysterious glue is made of stories, not genes.” Our collective beliefs wield immense power, shaping constructs like money, borders, nations, and religions—sometimes beneficially, other times detrimentally.

Balancing Individual and Collective Narratives

We must avoid sacrificing one aspect of our identity for another. For example, Darwinian deniers may focus solely on their cultural beliefs while neglecting the broader sense of belonging that a more evolutionary perspective can offer.

What can we learn from Darwin about genes? Although he was unaware of the concept of genes, he recognized that traits are inherited. The notion that we are in a relentless struggle for survival is a misleading narrative. In fact, Darwin emphasized that cooperation and sharing are vital for the well-being of the community—not just among humans.

This realization carries significant implications for our future, emphasizing the importance of uncovering “true stories.”

Collaboration for Sustainable Progress

If we allow ourselves to become entrenched in narrow tribal perspectives, we risk stagnation. Many passionately debate capitalism, yet progress occurs when we focus on the valuable insights others are trying to convey.

Unchecked capitalism has led to climate crises, economic upheaval, health disparities, and often, conflict. However, dismantling capitalism is not a viable solution at this point. Instead, we must foster a competitive environment that allows for sustainable livelihoods until technology evolves to create more equitable systems.

The path forward entails creating green jobs that promote sustainable infrastructure, equitable global trade, poverty reduction, improved healthcare access, and representation for all voices, regardless of background. Once a collaborative ethos is established, our narratives must reinforce, not hinder, this progress.

Teamwork is key; we must share our individual narratives to foster collaboration. For instance, launching a satellite may involve sourcing components from China, ideas from France and Japan, and engineering expertise from the USA, India, and Canada. Each contribution is shaped by cultural traditions and individual talents.

Mutual respect and confidence are essential. In development teams, project failures often stem from a lack of confidence. Even a few individuals harboring doubts can impact the entire group’s morale. If this apprehension is linked to identity—such as being perceived as too feminist or overly religious—it can undermine what could have been a successful collaboration.

Cultivating an Environment for Growth

In both life and global industries, it’s crucial to foster an atmosphere of openness and support. Consider yourself a seed, and your environment as the soil.

Respect must be extended to all individuals—not just those with whom you agree—but also to those whose cooperation is essential for launching a healthier future.

Without productive international collaboration, industries will struggle to transition toward improved foundations for sustainable agriculture, lab-grown food, and AI technologies that protect and benefit society.

In Africa, Claire Reid established a startup focused on pre-fertilized seed strips and community gardens, emphasizing skills sharing, sustainable practices, and collaboration.

While technology can pose threats in the wrong hands, it also holds tremendous potential for progress if we work together. Our collective future hinges on the stories we tell and the narratives we embrace.

This video discusses how our self-narratives can profoundly influence our lives, shaping our choices and perceptions of the future.

This video explores the concept of composing the future in therapeutic contexts, emphasizing the role of narratives in shaping our mental and emotional landscapes.