#75 Daniel Schmachtenberger PART 1: social philosopher, thought leader, sensemaker
Mar 17, 2022
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A deep dive into existential threats and collective sensemaking with social philosopher Daniel Schmachtenberger. Topics include global challenges, unschooling in education, dangers of social media manipulation, power structures, and integrating head, heart, and hands for effective problem-solving.
Daniel emphasizes collective sense-making to tackle existential threats like climate change and social upheaval.
The post-WWII system faces a pivotal transition, hinting at significant shifts in global governance and stability.
Exponential technologies and AI highlight the need for collective intelligence to address interconnected global challenges.
Deep dives
Loving Earth - Regenerative Chocolate Makers
Loving Earth, a chocolate maker, emphasizes regenerating the planet through their products sourced from the indigenous Camito N.A. cooperative in Peru. Their focus on sustainability extends to using home compostable packaging, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Daniel Schmachtenberger - Social Philosopher and Systems Thinker
Daniel Schmachtenberger, a social philosopher and co-founder of various projects, delves into existential threats facing humanity. He highlights the interconnected nature of global challenges, emphasizing the need for collective sense-making to address issues ranging from climate change to social upheaval.
Post-World War II System and Global Stability
The post-World War II system, designed to prevent major kinetic wars among superpowers, is seen as transitioning. Daniel discusses the historical context and the systemic shifts occurring, indicating a pivotal moment in global governance and stability.
AI, Exponential Technology, and Collective Intelligence
Exploring the impacts of exponential technologies like AI, Daniel underscores the complexity of interconnected systems and the challenges they pose. He highlights the significance of collective intelligence in navigating complex global issues, addressing the need for conscious engagement to avert existential risks.
Social Media Influence and Cognitive Manipulation
Discussing the influence of algorithms on social media platforms, the conversation delves into cognitive manipulation and the unintended consequences of attention monetization. The discourse touches on the exploitation of user behaviors leading to echo chambers, impacting societal sense-making and democratic processes.
We’ve got an epic conversation with one of the most sophisticated thinkers on the planet today, the social philosopher Daniel Schmachtenberger. Berry spoke with Daniel for our systems change issue of the magazine, a special edition for this crucial moment in history, which comes out March 24. Daniel is co-founder of Civilization Emerging and The Consilience project, and has a particular focus in his work on existential threats to humanity, and the importance of collective sensemaking. He’s able to illustrate the three-dimensional, and intersectional realities of the problems we find ourselves in right now – from war to climate change to social upheavel - and suggest that we have not reached the limits of our cognitive capacity to solve for them. He is inspiring many, including us, to look clearly at this moment before it’s too late. Because this was a humdinger of a chat, which will require you to pause, process and rewind in many parts, we’ve split the conversation into two episodes - the second to be released soon.