This is the Moment

How Collapse Opens a Window Onto New Worlds

Most of us want to be left alone, to live our lives in peace. In order to do just that, most of us embrace a mythic oversimplification of who we are; we’re drawn toward simplified narratives that offer comfort and clarity in what is, and what we perceive to be in most instances at least, an intrinsically complex and baffling world.

This tendency to embrace a more generalized identity allows us to make sense of our experiences without confronting the often uncomfortable truths that exist just beneath the surface. For many, identifying with a particular label—whether it be "patriot," "artist," "victim," or "financier"—can feel reassuring, providing a sense of stability and belonging within a community that shares similar beliefs.

Cultural narratives play a significant role in shaping these identities. Myths like the “perfect family” or the notion of the “self-made individual” and the condescending construct of the “noble savage” glorify certain traits while downplaying others, leading to a narrow, often idealized, conception of what it means to be oneself. These generalisations can create a cognitive comfort that shields us from some of the chaos and confusion of today's harsh realities. But they also risk distorting our self-perception and warping societal relationships.

The consequences of this preference for simplicity can be profound. By avoiding the minutiae of "self," we may miss opportunities for personal growth, fail to confront deeper and more meaningful issues, such as ingrained systemic inequalities, or allow personal traumas to dictate relationships and subsequent actions. This desire for simplicity, while understandable, can also contribute to division - inciting us to view those outside the narrow archive of our existence as “the other”. We have seen how this can so easily promote false impressions, eventually leading to controversy and conflict. At that stage, we have a tendency to reify our mistakes. For example, we've allowed the lines we draw on our maps to morph into one of the greatest follies of our time: partition.

Yet, there is significant potential for growth in embracing the multifaceted nature of our uniqueness. Acknowledging the complexity of who we are can lead to a richer understanding of our identity and that of others, allowing for more authentic connections. When we fully engage with the various dimensions of our experiences, we cultivate a deeper sense of self; we find ourselves able to navigate the world with greater awareness and compassion.

While mythic oversimplifications may offer comfort and stability, they often come at the cost of deeper appreciation and authenticity. By embracing the complexities of my identity, I open myself to a far more meaningful and holistic existence, enriched by the diverse narratives that shape me.

But here's a problem. Today the guiderails of social consensus that traditionally guided collective sanity have eroded to the extent that we allow the uncritical madness of accepting "anything and everything" into our lives as gospel—a pathology every bit as foolish as the nuclear weapons we so recklessly aim at each other.

People around the world are waking up to the realisation that we are ruled by the least among us; that for the wealth we create together to be owned by the few is immoral; that power in the hands of sociopaths is intolerable; that information communicated by the media is not the truth; that democratic governments do not represent the public good or abide by democratic ideals; that large corporations only exist to make profits for their shareholders and are willing to sacrifice humanity in order to put a few more dollars into their pockets; and that allowing economic industrialism to destroy the finely-balanced conditions needed to sustain life is suicidal.

Which is why this is the moment to confront these distressing and unpalatable facts. This is the moment to imagine new archetypes and to dream new dreams. This is the moment to step into new ways of knowing and to discover afresh what it really means "to be human." This is the moment to begin the construction of a new civilisation out of the ashes of a neoliberal world order that still inflicts pain upon us; to break away from the malignant narcissism and psychopathic bullying that has spread its venom around the world. But what path should we take in this pivotal moment?

We can no longer wait for those who are focused on sustaining the status quo of suppression and compliance. This is the moment to ignite a revolution fueled by empathy, inclusivity, and ecological integrity (or ecority). It’s the moment to shatter the chains of Eurocentric colonial patriarchy that have so successfully silenced the vibrant and diverse voices of the global south for far too long. This is the moment to unleash the power of our communities, sharing stories that defy simplistic identities and breathing life into new shared narratives.

Ecority is one of these. It isn’t just about justice, security, or sustainability; it’s a clarion call to dismantle ingrained discrimination and hold the powerful to account. This is the moment to amplify the voices of the marginalized, ensuring they are not merely heard but celebrated. This is the moment to liberate a society where everyone lays claim to the promise of a new world.

Our journey begins with a radical act of critical reflection. No matter where you stand, it’s time to interrogate your own story and the myths you cling to. Only by delving deeply into our own truths can we challenge the stereotypes that confine us. But let’s be clear: reflection without action is a hollow exercise. We must turn conversations that matter into actions that truly make a difference to everyone.

Now is the time for audacity at scale. Now is the moment to unleash new possibilities—building autonomic frameworks that prioritize morality, sustainability, and the well-being of all. This is the time for humanity to embrace responsibility for stewardship of the biosphere and the more-than-human world. This is the moment.

As old industrial systems collapse, we are gifted the chance to design afresh with criteria that cultivate ecority. Ecority embodies a civilisational culture of ecology and integrity—a living philosophy that recognizes the profound interbeing between all species and a shared responsibility for one another and the planet. Together, we can embark on an electrifying journey toward a just, secure, and compassionate world, mastering the complexities of our time with fierce understanding and unwavering purpose.

Now is that moment. Let’s make it happen!