When asked in an interview if we (humanity) will be able to solve the crises of the next hundred years, sociobiologist E. O. Wilson answered: “The real problem of humanity is the following: we have paleolithic emotions; medieval institutions; and god-like technology” (as cited in Harvard Magazine).
How do we solve that problem?
In the case of technologies like nuclear weapons, CRISPR gene editing, and artificial intelligence, we (humanity) have clearly—to use a well-worn cliché—let the genie out of the bottle. At best, we can hope to better manage these technologies more safely and sanely. In some cases, restricting further access to knowledge of these technologies may make sense. In all cases, there are many complexities to consider.
We only have to watch the news to see how our institutions like governments and education systems struggle with wicked challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and our emotions lead to bitter politics and events like the armed assault on the U.S. Congress on January 6.
The reality is that this is the world we live in, and, as one of my professors shared in a class discussion last semester: “Each of us has to engage with the world as it is now if we are going to help shape it into how we wish to see it.” Or, to use another well-worn cliché, this is the hand of cards we’ve been dealt. We can only choose how we play the hand.
In thinking about the wicked problems that we face like climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racism, I am both concerned and hopeful.
I also realize that after writing this, I don’t have any answers. Only more questions, especially in regards to what role I can play in helping move us (humanity) forward in a meaningful and just direction.
Kindly,
David