S E T T I NG MY S T AK E
I N T HE GROUND
I F WE WANT TO CREATE A D I FFERENT WORLD ,
WE NEED TO ART I CULATE WHAT TH I S WORLD
WI L L LOOK L I KE .
On the basis of these two examples, I would like to share my vision for a post- corona world. If we want to create a different world, we need to articulate what this world will look like. For me this new world can be built around what might at first appear a paradox: individuals who are part of strong local communities and, at the same time, interconnected with the rest of humanity on a planetary scale through the virtues of technology. If we see that this is possible, why would it be desirable (maybe even necessary)? This may seem like an inordinately simple analysis, but I believe that at the center of what afflicts humanity today is a
rampant uncontrolled individualism. At the heart of our current economic model is Adam Smith's "enlightened self-interest" which is working like an "invisible hand" to magically provide the best social outcomes for all. This thinking from the 18th century has had an incredibly beneficial impact on humanity - leading to the acknowledge- ment and protection of individual rights, freedom of choice, personal dignity and robust self-reliance. It has also unleashed economic productivity the likes of which have never been seen previously. In my opinion however, this kind of thinking has gone too far. It doesn't need to be replaced - but it does require a counterbalance.
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