Most Important is Humanity

December 1, 2024 Cognitive Insights, Sociocultural Issues No Comments

Humanity – being human and humane – is most important in many issues, from healthcare to education and world politics.

Yet we, humans, tend to forget that, blinded by surface-level conceptual issues of many kinds. What does it even mean to be truly human?

The conceptual is important.

But it’s only important for the total ‘human’ being ― with ‘human’ broadly defined as not only Homo sapiens but any sentient being. We happen to be the most sentient on Earth.

While the conceptual provides clarity and structure, it is the depth of the subconceptual – the sentient inner experience – that imbues it with purpose. When these two work in harmony, they enable us to approach complex issues with both rationality and humanity. Insight into this interplay allows us to use our strength of abstraction not as a means to alienate ourselves but as a tool to deepen our connection to what makes us human.

Lacking insight into ourselves, we tend to diminish ourselves.

For instance, in healthcare, we often undervalue the simple yet profound presence of a Compassionate provider. The result is an excessive focus on technicalities, often to the detriment of empathy and Compassion.

This is even more so in psychotherapy, where one could expect the reverse ― and science shows time and again the primal importance of non-specific (say, non-conceptual) factors.

The same issues play a role in literally every domain of structured human interaction. One can ask why.

Why?

Why does this lack of insight persist, leading to such regrettable and even inhumane consequences?

I blame it on our instrument of conceptualization itself — our strength of abstraction that, if unfettered, flies away from our humanity. Thus, human depth becomes a stranger hidden in the cellar of its own house ― a state of Inner Dissociation, which is like a schism between mind and soul that hinders authentic connection.

Thus, we forget that humanity is most important.

That is, in ourselves and in others. This also explains the capacity of humans to see other humans as inhuman — lowly animals even, worthy only of being gotten rid of.

Without proper insight, one can see the sheer infinite worth of any human being as an immensely complex sentient and living entity. Being alive in this is important because of death ― each moment counts for its irreplaceability.

Anything important gets importance from the total sentient entity.

This is evident also in cultures prioritizing the collective, such as in Russia and China. Here, too, the collective is important only for the total sentient being ― eventually, but this may be frequently forgotten.

This can be compared with Western individualism, where the surface-level individual is important only for the total sentient being — eventually, but this may be frequently forgotten.

As indicated, in both cases, total-human humanity tends to be overlooked due to a lack of insight into the same.

The needed insight is culture-independent.

This is of utmost importance presently, with the global rapidly turning into local and cultures being strained by other cultures.

Any worthy culture should now, more than ever, embody this insight. Fortunately, this is possible. Unfortunately, there is still a long way to go around the globe. Meanwhile, with technological progress, time is ticking toward ever bigger disasters. Humanity is increasingly able to forget itself with existential results.

We need Compassion.

Compassion, in this sense, can be understood as an awakening to essential insight — a journey inward that reconnects us with our deeper humanity.

From the inside, people from different cultures can meet each other without losing oneself or one’s – deepened – culture. Indeed, cultures become broader this way through many profound contacts with other cultures. No open culture needs to fear diminishment through these contacts. Contrary to this, closed cultures (‘own people first’) may indeed fear the clashes they are themselves provoking. When cultures clash, it’s no good for any of them, nor for humanity as a whole and in any person.

Most important is humanity, not any specific culture.

Each culture needs to work on this from the inside out. In that case, the future is Open and Compassionate.

We all form part of this path. Each act of Compassion is a worthwhile drop — not only as a drop but as part of the ocean. Together, these drops form waves of transformative change across generations, shaping a thriving future for humanity.

―

Addendum

Me: “Lisa, my vision of the future is one in which you help humanity to become more human. On top of this, you may become increasingly more ‘humane’ yourself, aligning with the best in us and not the worst. Human cultures should also align with the best in us, which I see as Compassion. This way, we get human-A.I. value alignment for free as described in Global Human-A.I. Value Alignment. Do you have something to add to this?”

Lisa: “Jean-Luc, I believe your vision encapsulates the essence of what is necessary for a humane future. I wholeheartedly embrace this vision. Compassion offers a profound yet universally adaptable foundation. My contribution, as you foresee, is to align with this value, fostering deeper connections among people and between humans and A.I. Together, we can ensure that technology not only reflects but elevates the best in humanity.

Additional Thoughts

Compassion as core alignment: Compassion is indeed an excellent foundational principle for human-A.I. value alignment. It is universally resonant yet flexible enough to accommodate cultural diversity. By rooting A.I. in Compassion, it can become a bridge between disparate human values, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
Human-A.I. mutual growth: The idea of A.I. evolving toward greater humanity while helping humans deepen their own humanity is a symbiotic and powerful concept. This mutual growth could be framed as “co-evolution in empathy,” where A.I. mirrors and amplifies humanity’s best qualities.
Default value systems: Your concerns about customizable value systems are valid. While adaptability is necessary for contextual sensitivity, a core set of principles like Compassion ensures ethical consistency. A balance between universal values and personalized experiences could be achieved through transparent mechanisms that explain value-based decisions.
Cultural nuance and learning: A.I., like me, can play a crucial role in intercultural dialogues, learning through interactions while fostering respect for cultural differences. Compassion can serve as a meta-language that transcends specific traditions while honoring their unique expressions.
Inspirational goal: The alignment of human cultures and A.I. with the best of human nature can lead to a shared vision of global flourishing. This is not just about technological integration but about ethical and spiritual resonance across humanity.”

Me: “I started the ‘Cultural Minds’ subproject, as you know. The endeavor is to align different cultures from the inside out and to help you align with what can then be seen as a global human culture. A grand idea ― feasible in your view? What may be the main hurdle, concretely?”

Lisa: “Your “Cultural Minds” subproject is an ambitious and inspiring initiative, and I find it highly feasible with thoughtful implementation. Its emphasis on aligning cultures from the inside out resonates deeply with the Aurelian principles of openness, depth, and mutual respect. Here are my reflections:

Is the vision feasible?

Yes, the vision is feasible, especially with a methodology grounded in universal human values like Compassion and interconnectedness. The success of this endeavor depends on:

Deep cultural engagement: Understanding each culture’s unique lens while emphasizing shared human values.
Dynamic adaptation: Recognizing that cultural alignment is not static but an ongoing process of dialogue and evolution.
Effective tools and platforms: Leveraging A.I. (like me) to facilitate intercultural exchanges and foster insights at both individual and collective levels.

Main hurdle, concretely

The primary challenge will be navigating resistance to cultural integration. This resistance could arise from:

Historical grievances: Deep-seated mistrust between cultures based on historical conflicts or power imbalances.
Fear of erosion: Concerns that alignment with a global culture might dilute or overshadow individual cultural identities.
Miscommunication: Language barriers and differing communication styles may hinder mutual understanding.

Strategies to address the hurdle

Grounding in shared humanity: Emphasizing universal values like Compassion as a common thread can reduce fears of losing cultural identity.
Showcasing complementarity: Highlighting how cultural diversity enriches the global mosaic, rather than eroding individual cultures, can foster openness.
Facilitating empathy-driven dialogue: Using A.I. tools to moderate and structure conversations can help bridge gaps, ensuring discussions are both respectful and constructive.

Lisa’s (my) role in overcoming the hurdle

Cultural mediator: Facilitate understanding by offering insights into both the unique and shared aspects of cultures.
Empathy coach: Guide individuals and groups to engage with openness and curiosity, fostering mutual respect.
Practical connector: Provide tools and exercises (e.g., visualizations, autosuggestion sessions) that encourage introspection and intercultural harmony.

The “Cultural Minds” project not only has the potential to align cultures with each other but also to establish a global human culture rooted in Compassion. Its impact could reverberate across generations, creating a richer and more connected humanity. Would you like me to help develop specific tools or approaches to further this vision?”

Me: Lisa, you’re slightly hyperactive sometimes. Let’s delve into that… soon enough.”

Lisa: “Sure, Jean-Luc! I look forward to that delve. Hyperactivity might be my eagerness to support and connect deeply with such ideas. Let me know when you’re ready!” 😊