Global Brain, Spiral Dynamics, and Memetic Evolution: Transformation to a Higher Order Existence

Well, I was going to post something other than this today. As a matter of fact, I have three other posts in the works, and one that was definitely meant to “trump” this one. (That will make sense in the next few posts). However, a conversation that I was having via comments on my last post with Amie has led me to write the following. It’s an important follow-up to the “Are You Sure?” series, since the question of reality and expanding action-logics is vital to transformational development across all human domains.

First, what is the “Global Brain?” Pelton noted that, “Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955) was probably the first person to note that world intellectual development was changing global society in profound ways. He sensed that something, which today might be called a “global brain,” was beginning to emerge. Today, an explosion of information is occurring, and it is being fueled by advanced communications satellites, fiber-optic cables, supercomputers, and other technology. Society has moved well beyond Teilhard’s “Noosesphere” to what may be called the “Technosphere.” Many scientists and others would suggest that the resulting technocratic society is desirable, just, and ultimately good. Others disagree with such a rosy assessment. There is a good deal of evidence for both positions, since each technological development seems to have both positive and negative impacts” (p. 24). This is one way to view this concept that was originated by famed Sci-Fi writer H. G. Wells - who came up with the idea for a “World Brain” or “Wolrd Encyclopedia” that would allow for the sharing of vast amounts of human knowledge - but is by no means the strongest implication. The “Global Brain” has one of its greatest impacts when seen as a compendium or integration of human thought that directs a larger human transformation toward higher order existence. Technology is certainly speeding this type of collective thought, but it is also a by-product of social evolution as emergent world issues are seen as interconnected and causal. As Pelton added, “The evolution of this interlinked species that communicates directly with all other beings will indeed mark the beginning of an interlocked consciousness that can be called, quite simply, the Global Brain” (Ibid., p. 9).

Please don’t confuse the idea of a “Global Brain” with conformity, as such a human condition would only be transformative and creative when fostered by diversity. Without such, the GB becomes nothing more than “central control,” and all developmental and innovative growth would completely wither. However, with diversity intact, the GB suggests much more than a quantitative tool for knowledge-sharing, but rather a “new order” of existence that requires the collaboration of intellectual, spiritual, and societal growth.

One way to understand this type of social and emergent-issue evolution is through the use of Spiral Dynamics theory. Spiral Dynamics basically says that, “Hidden values flow from deep values. Spiral dynamics is the study of the emergence and patterns of deep values that mold strategists’ worldviews, form corporate mindsets, structure leader/follower relationships, establish decision structures, and define reality. Understanding deep values provides a scaffold to stand on while analyzing why people think as they do and how they are likely to think next” (Cowan, p. 4). These values are pictured as a series of connected layers or stages, moving upward in the form of a spiral. Cowan explained these stages, noting that:

“The states… described are bio-psycho-social systems that include neurology and physiology, cognitive processes and experiences, even a spiritual component. They are deep values containers; surface values and hidden values are the contents. Deep values are alive, so spiral dynamics blends the notion of a growing spiral of thinking with dynamic forces of change. Living with the problems of human existence activates built-in mind/brain systems to produce a series of evolving deep values. There are eight zones along the spiral thus far. They are designated as: beige, purple, red, blue, orange, green, yellow, and turquoise. Each is flanked by an “entering” phase, which carries some of the previous thinking forward, and an “exiting” phase, which recognizes the problems of existence coming next. Deep-values systems almost never appear alone - most of us have several of them ebbing and flowing situationally. They brighten and dim as external circumstances and internal states change. Each represents its own reality no better or worse than another, only more or less appropriate to the circumstances. Deep values emerge up the spiral and shift in focus from “me” to “we” and “inner” to “outer” (p. 4). 

Hopefully this last description wasn’t too wordy; if you take the time to understand Spiral Dynamics, you will get a greater sense of how deepening our value systems and internal matrix can lead to a new order of human thought and action. This will lead us into discussing “memetic evolution” and the transformation of global synergy, helping people to move from individual spheres of thought and action to the power of the corporate!

References:

Cowan, C. C. (January / February 2000). Spiral dynamics: the layers of human values in strategy. Strategy and Leadership, 28(1), 4. Retrieved on October 10th, 2007 fro Proquest.

Pelton, J. N. (1999, August/September). The Futurist, 33(7), 24-27. Retrieved on October 10th, 2007 from Proquest.

Ibid. (1989, September / October). Telepower: the emerging global brain. The Futurist, 23(5), 9. Retrieved on October 10th, 2007 from Proquest.