Holism in Dealing with Global Problems

Abstract

To the extent that we humans believe that we can solve our species-level problems with technology, we remain on the path to self-destruction. But there is an alternative; we can see other species like ours as empirical examples of how to be a species—how to participate in ultimate reality. This article exemplifies how holistic information provided systemically by other species can be used. Such information reveals the magnitude of humanity’s challenges and what is needed to address the myriad interrelated global problems, including climate change. Such systemic thinking involves a shift from conceptually extracting things from their context to seeing everything embedded in its context. Seeing other species as role models for how to participate in ecosystems requires a paradigm different from that prevailing in today’s world. Words often attributed to Albert Einstein put it succinctly: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Following the leads of Gregory Bateson, Thomas Berry, Fritjof Capra, and Albert Einstein, this article implements systemic thinking by using other species as role models. Replacing conventional thinking with systemic thinking leads to holistic approaches to global problems. The solutions to many of these problems, however, may very well have to be accomplished by the forces of nature; such solutions would be both natural and normal.