Voting on Humanity's Collective Morality

Humanity stands at a pivotal crossroads, where our unparalleled technological advancements require careful navigation guided by collective morality to ensure a sustainable future.

The Boy, The Beach, and The Old Man With Purpose

A boy strolled along the beach as the sun began its ascent, the sky painted in soft hues of dawn. It had been an oppressive summer, and he used these early hours to stretch his legs before the sun’s heat became unbearable on his sensitive neck and shoulders. At this time of day, the beach was usually deserted. But last night, the tide had surged higher than usual, and as it receded, it left thousands of starfish stranded across the sand.

In the distance, the boy noticed a figure: a man with silver hair and a cane. The man was bending down, picking up what the boy initially thought was a stone, but as he watched, he realized it was a starfish. The man straightened, and with a deliberate motion, threw the starfish back into the ocean. Intrigued, the boy approached, his curiosity piqued.

“What are you doing?” the boy asked, noting the man’s weathered face and the gentle determination in his eyes.

“I’m saving these starfish from a horrible fate,” the man replied. “If they’re left on the sand, they’ll dry up and die as the sun rises.”

The boy tilted his head and smirked. “You’ll never be able to save them all. What difference will your efforts make when you’re running out of time?”

The man simply picked up another starfish, raised it to his shoulder, and sent it back to the sea with a practiced flick of his arm.

“It made a difference for that one,” he said.

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Welcome to the Crossroads

After a long and arduous journey to survive and establish security, humanity now stands at a crossroads that will define the future of our species. The relentless pursuit of progress for its own sake is no longer the most pressing concern. We have reached a pivotal moment in our collective story where navigation has become the priority. Which direction will we choose to propel ourselves? What will we give our attention to? Consciously or not, what future will we collaborate towards?

In this era of rapid technological acceleration, we possess powers that would have been deemed godlike a mere century ago—nuclear energy, genetic modifications, artificial intelligence, and advanced computational systems. This acceleration will undoubtedly continue, barring the terrifying possibility of our own self-destruction. The sheer magnitude of our technological capabilities has become the greatest threat to our collective survival and prosperity. While technological advancement is the fundamental talent that has established us as the apex species on this planet, without the guardrails of a strong collective morality, it is only a matter of time before our wax wings melt from flying too close to the sun. Beware of the double-edged sword called progress.

What do we want?

I have placed significant hope in the belief that technology could empower us to overcome the constraints imposed by the global technocracy, especially through decentralization and the enhancement of individual skills and understanding. This belief remains strong in me. Over the past four years, technology has been the cornerstone of my humanitarian efforts, enabling me to make a positive impact. However, it is important to remember that technology is merely a tool, and its effectiveness depends on how it is used. Tools express the visions (or lack thereof) of the wielder. In its neutrality, it amplifies their creative (or destructive) energy. A builder with power tools is more efficient at building. An idler with entertainment technology is more efficient at idling. A technocracy is more efficient at achieving dominion over a slave class than prior regimes with parallel interests. Technology amplifies intention. Technology is the means of “how”. Human intention defines the fundamental “what”. So... What do we want?

I hear the question circulating all the time: what is my purpose? It is a valid question to ponder, and nobody can answer it for anybody else. However, in culmination of the candles of hope we each carry, what is our collective purpose; our Promethean Fire? This to me seems to be the most pressing question! What are we here to do? Just as I am not qualified to judge your purpose, I am also not qualified to speak on behalf of eight billion fellow humans. I may have a sense of what brings me meaning, but I am clueless as to the aspirations of the overwhelming majority of humanity. So, why listen to me? Actually, I have vote in the way this goes - as small as it may seem, I have a vote. It does not go into a ballet box, but rather is cast through how I show up in the world, and what I hold close to my heart.

Casting my Vote

I believe that I am here to become the best version of myself, to uphold a fair and strong morality, to experience life fully and enrich my soul with a meaningful journey, to be a responsible steward of what the Great Spirit entrusts to me, to pay forward my blessings, assist others, recognize the Divinity in everyone, and appreciate the beauty in our world. Ultimately, I aim to leave it better than I found it.

That’s my 1 in 8 billion vote for why we are here and what our moral compass should be. What’s yours?