Team Human

1. Humans are inherently social and thrive on connection

We cannot be fully human alone. Anything that brings us together fosters our humanity. Likewise, anything that separates us makes us less human, and less able to exercise our individual or collective will.

Evolutionary advantage. Our social nature is not just a quaint notion but our biological legacy. Humans evolved larger brains primarily to manage more complex social relationships, not for better spatial mapping or tool-making. This allowed us to form larger groups, which improved survival chances.

Biological imperative. Our nervous systems are fine-tuned for social connection. We experience social losses as acutely as physical pain. Prosocial behaviors like mimicry reduce stress hormones and increase bonding. Even our emotions serve to activate social networks and reinforce connectivity.

Mutual survival. Humans connect not just for companionship, but to ensure mutual survival and derive meaning. Our social bonds allow us to:

• Orient ourselves in the world
• Share resources and labor
• Develop rapport and trust
• Communicate complex ideas
• Pass on knowledge across generations

2. Technology often undermines our social nature

Instead of forging new relationships between people, our digital technologies came to replace them with something else.

Digital disconnection. While digital technologies promise connection, they often isolate us instead. Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement and data collection, not genuine human interaction. We become atomized individuals competing for likes and follows rather than collaborating for mutual benefit.

Algorithmic manipulation. Tech companies use persuasive design and machine learning algorithms to influence our behavior, often without our awareness. This can:

• Trigger addictive loops
• Exploit our social instincts
• Reinforce tribalism and polarization
• Erode trust in institutions and each other

Loss of embodied experience. Digital communication lacks the richness of in-person interaction. We miss out on subtle cues like pupil dilation, breathing patterns, and micro-expressions that foster deep connection and understanding. This can lead to misunderstandings, empathy erosion, and a sense of alienation.

3. Reclaim human values in the digital age

We shape our technologies at the moment of conception, but from that point forward they shape us.

Intentional design. We must actively shape our technologies to align with human values rather than allowing them to reshape us. This means prioritizing:

• Face-to-face interaction
• Genuine connection over metrics
• Collective well-being over individual gain
• Long-term sustainability over short-term profit

Digital literacy. Developing a critical understanding of how digital technologies work and influence us is crucial. This empowers us to:

• Recognize manipulative design
• Make informed choices about usage
• Advocate for more ethical tech development

Humanize institutions. Apply human-centered design principles to reimagine our institutions, from education to governance. Focus on fostering collaboration, creativity, and compassion rather than competition and control.

4. Question the narratives of progress and growth

We drive forward with our eyes on the horizon, ignoring the devastation we create in our wake.

Myth of endless growth. The capitalist narrative of perpetual economic growth is unsustainable and often destructive. It ignores:

• Finite natural resources
• Environmental degradation
• Human and social costs
• Qualitative measures of well-being

Technological solutionism. The belief that every problem has a technological fix often leads to overlooking simpler, more human-centered solutions. It can also create new problems while attempting to solve existing ones.

Alternative metrics. We need new ways to measure progress that account for:

• Environmental sustainability
• Social cohesion
• Mental and physical health
• Equitable distribution of resources
• Quality of life and happiness

5. Embrace paradox and ambiguity

Human beings can relate to other people online—at least not in a way that the body and brain recognize as real.

Beyond binary thinking. Humans have the unique ability to hold seemingly contradictory ideas simultaneously. This capacity for nuanced thinking is crucial for addressing complex challenges.

Art and ambiguity. Engaging with art that resists easy interpretation can strengthen our ability to:

• Think critically
• Empathize with different perspectives
• Find meaning in uncertainty

Balanced approach. Embrace both technological progress and timeless human wisdom. Seek ways to:

• Augment human capabilities without replacing human judgment
• Leverage digital tools while preserving embodied experiences
• Balance individual autonomy with collective responsibility

6. Reconnect with nature and holistic thinking

We humans are nature's conscience, and we do what is in our power to make nature more, well, humane.

Ecological awareness. Recognize our fundamental interconnectedness with the natural world. This shift in perspective can lead to:

• More sustainable practices
• Greater appreciation for biodiversity
• Holistic problem-solving approaches

Permaculture principles. Apply nature-inspired design thinking beyond agriculture:

• Work with natural cycles rather than against them
• Create mutually beneficial relationships
• Minimize waste and maximize efficiency
• Foster diversity and resilience

Indigenous wisdom. Learn from cultures that have maintained harmonious relationships with nature for millennia. This includes:

• Cyclical understanding of time
• Reverence for natural systems
• Emphasis on collective well-being over individual gain

7. Organize locally to effect global change

Team Human participates in national and global politics from the bottom up, the small to the large, and the local to the national and beyond.

Power of place. Focusing on local issues grounds activism in tangible realities and fosters stronger community bonds. This approach:

• Makes abstract issues concrete
• Builds empathy across divides
• Creates models for larger-scale change

Face-to-face diplomacy. Personal encounters humanize potential adversaries and create opportunities for genuine dialogue. This can:

• Defuse tensions
• Find common ground
• Build lasting relationships

Networked localities. Connect local initiatives to share knowledge and resources globally. This allows for:

• Rapid dissemination of successful strategies
• Coordinated action on shared challenges
• Resilience against top-down control

8. Rediscover timeless spiritual wisdom

If we act like there's a shortage, there will be a shortage.

Beyond materialism. Reconnect with spiritual traditions that emphasize:

• Interconnectedness of all beings
• Cyclical nature of existence
• Importance of collective well-being

Abundance mindset. Shift from a scarcity mentality to one of shared abundance. This can lead to:

• More cooperative economic models
• Reduced overconsumption
• Greater generosity and trust

Ethical framework. Develop a coherent set of values to guide personal and collective decision-making. This provides:

• A sense of purpose beyond material gain
• Resilience in the face of challenges
• Motivation for positive social change

9. Cultivate renaissance thinking

A renaissance does not mean a return to the past. We don't go back to the Middle Ages, bloodletting, feudalism, or sword fights in the street. Rather, we bring forward themes and values of previous ages and reinvent them in new forms.

Interdisciplinary approach. Break down silos between fields of knowledge to foster creative problem-solving. This involves:

• Combining art and science
• Bridging humanities and technology
• Integrating traditional and modern wisdom

Retrieval of lost values. Identify positive aspects of past cultures that have been overshadowed by progress. Examples include:

• Communal living arrangements
• Artisanal craftsmanship
• Direct democracy practices

Dimensional leaps. Seek transformative shifts in perspective, similar to how the Renaissance moved from flat to three-dimensional thinking. Potential areas for exploration:

• From linear to systems thinking
• From competition to collaboration
• From separation to interconnectedness

10. Stand up for Team Human

It's time for us to rise to the occasion of our own humanity. We are not perfect, by any means. But we are not alone. We are Team Human.

Collective empowerment. Recognize that our strength lies in our ability to work together. This means:

• Prioritizing cooperation over competition
• Celebrating diversity of thought and experience
• Supporting those who are most vulnerable

Active participation. Take responsibility for shaping the future rather than passively accepting technological determinism. This involves:

• Engaging in civic processes
• Supporting ethical businesses and initiatives
• Creating and sharing alternative narratives

Cultivate hope. Maintain optimism in the face of challenges by focusing on positive change and human potential. Remember that:

• Small actions can have ripple effects
• Crisis often catalyzes innovation
• We have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles before

Last updated: September 20, 2024