gregory bateson steps to an ecology of mind

He warned that three drivers are leading us to catastrophe: our reliance on ever-developing technology, population increase and the way we think. Gregory Bateson (1904-1980) left a stark warning to humanity either change how we think or face extinction. In this article I will discuss Gregory Bateson’s ‘cybernetic’ epistemology and posthumanism as key resources in altering fundamentally our view of our place in the universe. While Gotama’s insights are an important starting point in this context, other important perspectives have been put forward which align with a secular dharma.

The need to see ourselves as interconnected and interdependent with the web of causes and conditions is particularly relevant now as we face existential challenges that must be collectively resolved, including climate change and social inequality. On the level of human relationships, this means seeing our commonalty with other human beings and acting with kindness and compassion toward others. To reduce suffering, we must recognize what Thich Nhat Hanh called our ‘interbeing’, our intrinsic relationship with all other beings and forms of the natural world.

Gotama showed us how our tendency to view ourselves mistakenly as a separate and isolated self, focused on getting what we want or avoiding what we don’t want, not only is a false conception but leads to suffering for ourselves and others. One of his insights was the notion that human beings are interconnected to and interdependent with the web of causes and conditions which constitute the natural world. rebirth) and metaphysical beliefs of traditional forms of Buddhism, a secular approach to the dharma highlights the key insights of the historical Buddha, Gotama, which contribute to the flourishing of sentient beings and our ecosystem in this life. 493.)īy putting aside the supernatural elements (e.g. Gregory Bateson (Steps to an Ecology of Mind, p. The creature that wins against its environment destroys itself.

Gregory bateson steps to an ecology of mind