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Viewpoint
The Human Revolution
by Jeff Welsh, PhD, MA, HHP
The concept of “human revolution” has been applied to many fields of study, from anthropology and biology, to computer science and linguistics. Here I consider the term as an individual and societal change in attitudes and behaviors—a human paradigm shift. As opposed to human evolution, wherein natural forces act upon mankind to bring about gradual adaptive change, a human revolution requires a conscious act of volition to bring about rapid change. Put another way, evolution happens; revolution is made to happen.
The human revolution is widely discussed under many different names, from the much anticipated coming of the “Age of Aquarius,” which is said to bring about a dramatic shift to a non-violent, matriarchal society, to the hope and change of Barack Obama’s “Yes We Can” presidential campaign. The desire for human revolution is not a recent phenomenon, nor is it constrained to New Age philosophy. Human revolution is the noblest goal of religion; it is the summum bonum of the ancient (and contemporary!) magi; the highest aspiration of behavioral science, and the tragic failure of the current “criminal rehabilitation” system, which is more penal than transformative.
People everywhere have the same basic desires: food, water, shelter and freedom from suffering. Beyond this, most of us want to be free to pursue happiness, however differently we may individually define it. Unfortunately, we live in a time of war, corporate greed, failing financial institutions, rising unemployment, prohibitively expensive health care, fear of terrorism and mistrust of government. The list of what’s wrong in the world goes on, but no one seems to know what to do about it.
I would posit that the core of the problem is that “we” are waiting for “them” to save us, to do something about our problems. This is where the human revolution comes in. It is an illusion to think in terms of “us” and “them.” And the illusion is dangerous, for we are all too willing to give up our freedoms and independence in return for “them” to save us, to protect us, to bail us out.
The revolution begins with the realization that there is only us.
Once that fact is fully realized, a profound shift in consciousness takes place. The awareness that we are completely responsible for our own wellbeing, right here and right now brings immediacy and urgency to our thoughts and actions. Like a veil lifted, clarity returns to our thinking; our boundaries become better defined, so that we are less likely to be lulled into a false sense of security or panicked into subservience. We shake off complacency and are more acutely aware of our environment, physically and politically.
The truth is that if we are to effect the changes that restore our happiness and security, we must individually bear the responsibility of making those changes happen; despite claims to the contrary, no one is likely to represent your interests better than you can. The act of waking up to the truth of this individual responsibility leaves us feeling more vulnerable, but also more alert.
The revolution continues with the beneficial and irrepressible need to tell others that they, too, must awaken to secure their basic human needs and inalienable rights—and soon!
I believe that we are innately compassionate and seek to alleviate suffering in others, as well as ourselves. In this regard, technology is massively effective. There exist today myriad channels through which we can remind people of their most basic rights and responsibilities. E-mail, blog, podcast, tweet and video-post your way into your neighbors’ obtunded consciousnesses. Start a website, hold a virtual conference—make your voice heard! Never before in our history have we been so easily able to compete with larger forces that seek to keep us distracted, misinformed and easily led. The time for action is now, and the actions are obvious to the awakened mind: Question everything and demand accountability.
Most importantly, model the respect and freedom that will cause this human revolution to be successful. Be mindful of your responsibility to act as you would have others act. Practice compassion for all humans, period. Work to bring peace into your own life, then in your family, your workplace and all other spheres of influence you may have. If you are in a situation where mindfulness, compassion and peace are not possible, leave that situation and actively seek your own happiness. Remember, no one else can do this for you. Mahatma Gandhi expressed the quintessence of human revolution most elegantly when he famously said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
The price of freedom—individually, nationally and globally—is eternal vigilance. There is no guarantee that freedom is easy, no promise that happiness is maintained without personal sacrifice. The only sure thing is that the human revolution is, and always will be, in your hands.
¡Viva la revolución!
Jeff Welsh, PhD, MA, HHP is the president of Mueller College in San Diego, CA. Check out Mueller College online at www.mueller.edu/vision.htm.