After writing my blog of 13 April 2016, I suddenly realised that there might be a link between the (post Industrial Revolution) human fear of Change and the surge in the 7 Belief systems. Even the 12 March 2016 presentation on Dutch public TV on international terrorism suggests this link.
There have been several essential breakthroughs in human culture during the past 7 millions years. I outlined those earlier in my 23 March 2015 blog on the Technological Revolution (1800-2100). Nevertheless, item viii or the “immense innovation in countries that separate religion and state (Europe/USA, 1800 onwards)” is probably the most impressive one in human history – so far.
The flip side of that same coin is that our human firmware, which is rooted in millions of year of slow change, does not like fast change at all, and views fast or fundamental changes as an existential threat. Also see my blog of 13 April 2016. In that context, it makes perfect sense that people start fighting against fast or fundamental changes.
The Christian Crusades (11th-15th Century) against the surge in Islam is an ancient example of fast change and fear, and also the willingness to die for your belief. The Industrial Revolution (1760-1820/1840) merely marks the start of the still ongoing Technological Revolution (1800-2100) and has caused (very) fast changes with respect to all of the 7 Belief systems: Love, Money, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Science and the Truth.
Resisting or fighting change, results from an extreme belief that the Cause is worth fighting – and dying – for. In that context, it is hardly a surprise that international terrorism (1880 and onwards) surged only shortly after the Industrial Revolution (1760-1820/1840).
The picture is a fragment (>11 min) of the Dutch public TV broadcast on international terrorism by Dr. Beatrice de Graaf.
In my view, there is a strong link between fast and/or fundamental changes and extreme beliefs – or Belief systems. This warning provides important lessons for now and the future and especially as the speed of changes in our society still seems to be accelerating (eg, 3 minute video by Business Insider Science). It is very likely that more and more people will resist such changes. A 2016 British exit from the EU (Brexit) would be an illustration of that increasing resistance.
I believe that Change needs to be open and transparent (eg, clear pros and cons) rather than forced down our throat. People may be able to swallow Change but once they start gagging then they will resist and may even fight back. If leaders (eg, business, politics, religion) are not willing or able to explain why people need to accept Change then something is seriously wrong. Extreme beliefs in a just Cause will always be “just around the corner”.
R. Kelly – I Believe I Can Fly (1996) – artist, lyrics, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
If I can see it, then I can do it
If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it
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