Posted on by D. Mann

Are We Hard-Wired to Destroy Ourselves?

Wisdom Guardians Podcast | Episode 3

Introduction

This blog expands upon the themes and issues explored in the podcast above: Are We Hard-Wired to Destroy Ourselves? It dives deep into an excerpt from D. Mann’s Sapience: The Moment Is Now, which depicts a dystopian future (2050-2070s) that results from humanity’s failure to address climate change in the 2020s.  The narrative highlights the collapse of global cooperation and the prioritization of economic growth over environmental sustainability.  The author argues that the inherent drive of civilizations to maximize production, embodied by powerful multinational corporations, prevented effective climate action. This ultimately led to widespread suffering and environmental devastation, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations. The story concludes by showing that even the wealthy elite could not escape the consequences of inaction.

Briefing Document: “Sapience: The Moment Is Now” Excerpts

Date: October 26, 2023 (based on requested date in prompt – assuming today’s date) Subject: Analysis of Key Themes and Ideas Regarding Climate Change and Societal Collapse in the mid 21st Century. Source: Excerpts from “Sapience: The Moment Is Now” by D. Mann, published 4/24/24.

Executive Summary:

This fictional work projects a bleak future in the mid 21st century (2050-2070s), where humanity’s failure to address climate change leads to societal breakdown. The excerpts highlight the failure of global cooperation, the destructive nature of unchecked economic growth, the role of multinational corporations (Multis), and the stark inequalities that exacerbate suffering. The core argument presented is that humanity’s inability to change its fundamental drive towards production and growth, coupled with the amorality of corporate entities, led to a climate catastrophe. The story emphasizes the need to shift human consciousness rather than simply focusing on technical solutions to climate change.

Key Themes & Ideas:

Collapse of Global Cooperation: The narrative emphasizes the disintegration of international agreements and alliances designed to combat climate change.

  • Quote: “At some point, which no one can quite remember when, every alliance or agreement the world had ever made to fight climate change was abandoned or forgotten.”
  • Analysis: This highlights a failure of collective action and suggests that in the face of crisis, nations prioritized individual survival over global solutions. The story presents this as almost inevitable due to the lack of accountability for individual nation states.

The Inherent Drive to Produce: The excerpts argue that civilizations are fundamentally driven by a need to produce more, making it difficult to limit resource consumption and therefore, greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Quote: “This calling is simple and straightforward. It is the mission that propels civilizations through time. And the mission is: produce more things. This is what civilizations do. This is why they exist and what they have been doing for more than 5,000 years.”
  • Analysis: This idea suggests that our current civilization is inherently unsustainable in the face of climate change because its core function directly contributes to the crisis. The story asserts that the production function is akin to a wild animal eating, therefore difficult if not impossible to contain.

The Failure of Incremental Measures: The story illustrates that the piecemeal efforts made by local, state, federal, and national governments are inadequate because there is no real mechanism for accountability.

  • Quote: “Local, state, federal, and national governments all made voluntary pledges, but mostly these were pretty words that bloomed like perennial flowers but didn’t last long. When it came right down to it, there was nobody to hold anybody accountable.”
  • Analysis: This implies that voluntary commitments are insufficient without a system of enforcement. It highlights the inability of established governments to properly mitigate the climate crisis.

The Unchanging Human Consciousness: The work proposes that climate change is a symptom of a deeper “sickness” within human consciousness that needs to be addressed.

  • Quote: “Really, it wasn’t the climate that needed changing. It was human consciousness. Climate change was simply a fever of a sickness that began long ago.”
  • Analysis: This reinforces the idea that simply mitigating greenhouse gases is insufficient to save humanity from self-destruction, which requires a fundamental shift in values and behaviors.

Multinational Corporations (Multis) as Agents of Destruction: The excerpts portray “Multis” as amoral entities that prioritize profit above all else, profiting immensely from the climate crisis.

  • Quote: “Multis don’t suffer, only humans suffer. Multis can’t suffer because they are not made up of living cells capable of feeling pain. Multis are pseudo beings, ideas really. Their existence depends entirely on agreements among the people working for them.”
  • Analysis: This suggests that corporations, due to their legal status and lack of feeling, are incapable of making moral decisions that are needed to avoid climate disaster. The narrative demonstrates that Multi’s don’t care about the fate of humans or the planet, only their bottom line.
  • Quote: “It turns out climate catastrophes are impressively profitable!”
  • Analysis: This quote points to the absurd and dangerous logic where those contributing to the problem benefit most from the chaos.

Inequality and Disproportionate Suffering: The text clearly illustrates how the consequences of climate change disproportionately affect the poor and the vulnerable before impacting the wealthy and powerful.

  • Quote: “Reality knocked first on the doors of the poorest people of the world. Most didn’t even have doors, but they suffered and died just the same.”
  • Analysis: The narrative emphasizes that the “Fall” did not happen equally, with the most vulnerable populations experiencing devastation before the more privileged groups were affected.

“Business as Usual” Mentality:

  • Quote: “Rather than do anything that really needed doing, people went about in a business-as-usual manner. They had to because it was the only way to survive. People did this until reality came knocking on their door.”
  • Analysis: This quote highlights the tragic inertia and failure of humanity to act decisively, suggesting that our ingrained systems and behaviors led to an inability to pivot from the destructive course. This also indicates that people were trapped in a system that failed to allow them to take appropriate action to change.

Conclusion:

The excerpts from “Sapience: The Moment Is Now” paint a grim picture of a future shaped by our failure to address climate change, focusing on fundamental problems in our civilization itself rather than just the technical or ecological aspects of global warming. The story warns against the dangers of unchecked growth, the amorality of corporate entities, and the disintegration of global cooperation. It suggests that a fundamental change in human consciousness, rather than simply technical solutions, is necessary for long-term survival. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of inaction and the inherent flaws within our current systems.

Consciousness and Climate Inaction

Yes, the sources argue that human consciousness itself was a fundamental obstacle to effective climate action. The author argues that civilizations are inherently driven by a need to “produce more things” [1], making production their essential driving force. This focus on production leads to a constant pursuit of GDP growth, positioning civilizations in a race for economic dominance [2].

Here are some key points that illustrate how human consciousness hindered effective climate action:

  • Civilizations are inherently driven to produce. This drive is so deeply ingrained in human consciousness that it’s comparable to a wild animal’s instinct to consume. [1, 2]
  • Modern civilizations have become expert producers, constantly striving to increase their GDP. This makes it nearly impossible for them to voluntarily limit production, even when it’s necessary to protect the planet. [2]
  • People continued with “business as usual” even when faced with the threat of climate change. They did so because it was the only way to survive within the existing economic system. People only changed their behavior when the direct effects of climate change, such as natural disasters and economic hardship, became unavoidable. [3]

Essentially, humanity’s focus on production and economic growth created a system that was incompatible with the actions needed to address climate change. This system was so powerful that it ultimately overrode concerns about the environment, leading to inaction and a failure to mitigate the climate crisis.

Climate Collapse: A Study Guide

Key Terms Glossary

  • Multis: A shortened term for Multinational Corporations, often used pejoratively to emphasize their perceived inhumanity and disregard for human suffering.
  • GDP: Gross Domestic Product, a measure of the total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders, often used as an indicator of economic success.
  • Climate Cliff: A metaphor describing the point at which climate change reaches a catastrophic tipping point, leading to irreversible and devastating consequences.
  • Mamparas: A Spanish slang term, roughly translating to “idiots” or “fools,” used here to express frustration with the wealthy elite who seemed oblivious to the impending crisis.

Short Answer Questions

  1. What is the central argument presented in the “The Fall” chapter?
  2. Why, according to the author, did global efforts to combat climate change ultimately fail?
  3. What is the “mission” that drives all civilizations, and how does it relate to climate change?
  4. What does the phrase “You can’t eat money” signify in the context of the excerpt?
  5. How are Multinational Corporations (Multis) portrayed in the “Multis Don’t Suffer” chapter?
  6. What specific characteristic of Multis allows them to thrive during times of crisis and chaos?
  7. Why does the author argue that Multis “don’t suffer”?
  8. What legal protections do Multis enjoy that contribute to their power and influence?
  9. How do Multis benefit from the climate catastrophes described in the excerpt?
  10. What is the overall tone and message conveyed by the author in these excerpts?

Short Answer Key

  1. The central argument is that human civilization’s inherent drive for production and growth, coupled with the self-serving nature of multinational corporations, led to the inevitable failure to address climate change.
  2. Global efforts failed because they were voluntary, lacked accountability, and ultimately conflicted with the fundamental economic imperative of growth and production.
  3. The mission is to “produce more things,” which, in the context of a reliance on fossil fuels, directly contributes to climate change.
  4. It highlights the harsh reality that wealth and material possessions become meaningless in the face of existential threats like climate catastrophe.
  5. Multis are depicted as powerful, amoral entities that prioritize profit above all else, exploiting chaos and suffering for financial gain.
  6. Their lack of empathy and their ability to operate beyond the constraints of human morality allow them to capitalize on crises that devastate individuals and communities.
  7. They are not living beings capable of experiencing pain or emotional consequences; they are abstract entities driven solely by economic imperatives.
  8. Multis enjoy legal protections similar to those of individual human beings, shielding them from accountability and enabling them to act with impunity.
  9. Climate catastrophes create opportunities for Multis to expand their market share, acquire assets from struggling competitors, and exploit the increased demand for essential goods and services.
  10. The tone is bleak and critical, warning against the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the consequences of prioritizing economic growth over environmental sustainability.

Essay Questions

  1. Analyze the author’s use of metaphors, such as “climate cliff” and “Multis don’t suffer,” to convey their message about climate change and corporate responsibility.
  2. Discuss the concept of “human consciousness” as the root cause of the climate crisis. How does this perspective differ from focusing solely on technological solutions or policy changes?
  3. Examine the historical context alluded to in the excerpt. What past failures of civilizations might the author be referencing to support their argument?
  4. Evaluate the author’s critique of the GDP as a flawed measure of societal success. What alternative metrics might better reflect human well-being and environmental sustainability?
  5. Explore the potential consequences of a world where Multis continue to wield significant power and influence in the face of escalating climate change. What ethical dilemmas and societal challenges might arise?

Climate Change FAQ: A Look at the Fall

1. What was the primary reason global efforts to combat climate change failed?

While many factors contributed to the failure, the most significant was the lack of a binding global agreement with enforcement mechanisms. Countries made voluntary pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but these were often seen as empty promises with no real consequences for non-compliance.

2. How did human behavior contribute to the climate crisis?

Humanity’s inherent drive for production and economic growth, embodied in the pursuit of ever-increasing GDP, fueled the reliance on fossil fuels. This insatiable desire for “more” made it nearly impossible for civilizations to voluntarily limit their energy consumption and embrace sustainable practices.

3. What role did Multinational Corporations (Multis) play in the environmental collapse?

Multis, driven by profit maximization, exploited the chaotic conditions created by climate change to further their own growth. They prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability, often lobbying against environmental regulations and continuing business practices that exacerbated the crisis. Their legal protections and immense wealth shielded them from the consequences faced by ordinary people.

4. How did the impacts of climate change differ for various socioeconomic groups?

Climate change disproportionately impacted the poorest populations who lacked resources and infrastructure to cope with the escalating disasters. While the wealthy could initially shield themselves from the immediate effects, eventually, the severity of the crisis overwhelmed even their defenses, leading to widespread societal collapse.

5. Was there a point of no return in addressing climate change?

The text suggests that a “business-as-usual” mentality prevailed for too long, leading to a point where the consequences of climate change became unavoidable. This turning point marked a shift from a potential for mitigation to a reality of adaptation and survival.

6. What does the phrase “Multis don’t suffer, only humans suffer” mean?

This highlights the inherent difference between corporations and living beings. Multis, as legal entities, are incapable of experiencing the physical and emotional suffering inflicted by climate change. This detachment from the human cost allowed them to prioritize profits over the well-being of people and the planet.

7. Did everyone contribute equally to the environmental crisis?

While every individual bears some responsibility for their actions, the text emphasizes the outsized role of the 1% and the Multis in perpetuating unsustainable practices. Their influence on economic systems and political decision-making magnified their contribution to the crisis.

8. What lessons can we learn from this account of the future?

The excerpt serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of inaction and the need for a fundamental shift in human consciousness. It highlights the importance of holding powerful entities accountable, prioritizing collective well-being over individual gain, and embracing sustainable practices before it’s too late.

Briefing Doc: The Fall of Civilization and the Rise of Multis

Source: Excerpts from Sapience: The Moment Is Now by D. Mann (published 4/24/24) – Chapters: The Fall & Multis Don’t Suffer

Main Themes:

  • The Inevitability of Climate Collapse: Mann argues that the failure to address climate change was not a surprise but a predictable outcome of civilizations’ inherent drive for production and growth. He posits that voluntary agreements and pledges were ultimately ineffective in the face of this ingrained imperative.
  • The Human Cost of Inaction: The excerpts detail the devastating consequences of climate change on various social strata, highlighting the suffering of ordinary people and the eventual downfall even of the wealthy elite.
  • The Role of Multinational Corporations: The author identifies Multinational Corporations (Multis) as key actors who profited from the crisis, even as they contributed to it. He paints a stark picture of these entities as amoral and unfeeling, exploiting human suffering for financial gain.

Key Ideas & Facts:

  • Civilizational Imperative: “This calling is simple and straightforward. It is the mission that propels civilizations through time. And the mission is: produce more things. This is what civilizations do.” This quote encapsulates Mann’s central thesis that civilizations are inherently driven to produce and grow, making it nearly impossible to voluntarily limit consumption.
  • The Failure of Voluntary Measures: “Deep down, everyone understood the global fight to combat climate change had always been a piecemeal effort that wouldn’t amount to much…When it came right down to it, there was nobody to hold anybody accountable.” This passage highlights the inadequacy of voluntary agreements in tackling a global crisis requiring coordinated and enforceable action.
  • Climate Change as a Symptom: “Really, it wasn’t the climate that needed changing. It was human consciousness. Climate change was simply a fever of a sickness that began long ago.” This statement emphasizes that climate change is not the root cause but a manifestation of a deeper societal problem – an unsustainable and exploitative relationship with the environment.
  • The Rise of Multis: “Multis don’t suffer, only humans suffer. Multis can’t suffer because they are not made up of living cells capable of feeling pain.” This quote starkly contrasts the human cost of the climate crisis with the indifference of corporations who benefit from it.
  • The Profitability of Catastrophe: “It turns out climate catastrophes are impressively profitable!” This cynical observation underscores the perverse incentive structure that allows corporations to thrive amidst widespread suffering.

Overall: The excerpts offer a bleak but thought-provoking perspective on the interplay of human nature, societal structures, and the environmental crisis. They paint a dystopian picture of a future ravaged by climate change, where powerful corporations profit from the chaos while ordinary people bear the brunt of the suffering. The author’s message is a stark warning about the consequences of inaction and the urgent need to challenge the dominant paradigm of endless growth.

Timeline of Events: 2050-2070

2050s:

  • Global efforts to combat climate change begin to unravel.
  • Countries prioritize their own survival over international cooperation.
  • Voluntary pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are abandoned.
  • Climate catastrophes increase in frequency and severity, first impacting the poorest populations.

2060s:

  • Climate disasters become commonplace, affecting ordinary people worldwide.
  • Insurance companies collapse due to the overwhelming costs of climate-related damages.
  • Countries default on debts as their economies are ravaged by climate impacts.
  • Even the wealthy elite are impacted as their luxurious homes are destroyed by floods, landslides, and rising sea levels.
  • Public resentment grows towards the wealthy and multinational corporations.

2070s:

  • Multinational corporations (Multis) capitalize on the chaos and suffering, expanding their power and profits.
  • Multis acquire failing corporations and bail out struggling nations, turning people into employees.
  • The focus remains on economic growth and profit, despite the ongoing climate crisis.
  • The cycle of climate destruction and corporate exploitation continues unabated.

Cast of Characters:

Ordinary People: The global population, particularly the poor and working class, who suffer the most from the impacts of climate change. They experience displacement, loss of homes and livelihoods, and increased hardship.

The Wealthy Elite: The top 1% of the population who initially seem insulated from the worst effects of climate change but eventually experience losses as their lavish properties are destroyed. They are viewed with resentment by the rest of the population.

Multinational Corporations (Multis): Powerful entities that prioritize profit over the well-being of people and the planet. They exploit the climate crisis to expand their wealth and control, buying up failing entities and turning people into employees. They are portrayed as unfeeling and driven solely by greed.

Governments: National and international governing bodies that are depicted as ineffective and ultimately failing to address the climate crisis. They prioritize short-term gains and national interests over global cooperation, leading to the breakdown of climate agreements and a focus on individual survival.

D. Mann: The fictional author of “Sapience: The Moment Is Now,” who acts as a commentator on the events and offers a critical perspective on the failures of humanity to address climate change.

Source

Excerpt from Sapience: The Moment Is Now by D. Mann published on 4/24/24, a psychological, historical, economic, fictional story about near future climate change and the consequences of not taking action now in the 2020s while humanity still has a chance to mitigate the looming danger. This account is of the 2050 to 2070s.

Key Topics:

Climate Change, Human Nature, Economic Growth, Corporate Power, Societal Collapse

Summary

This excerpt from Sapience: The Moment Is Now depicts a dystopian near-future (2050-2070s) resulting from humanity’s failure to address climate change in the 2020s. The narrative centers on the collapse of global cooperation in the face of escalating climate disasters, highlighting the inherent conflict between civilization’s insatiable drive for production and growth and the urgent need for environmental sustainability. The author argues that the inability of civilizations to voluntarily curb their consumption, particularly driven by powerful multinational corporations (Multis), led to widespread suffering and societal breakdown. Ultimately, the text portrays a world where the pursuit of economic growth overshadowed human well-being and planetary survival, culminating in a catastrophic “Fall” that disproportionately impacts the vulnerable while the wealthiest remain relatively unscathed, albeit ultimately suffering as well.