Roadblocks and Breakthroughs

What is holding us back from realizing a compassionate civilization? What blocks, gaps and inhibiting factors do we presently experience? They are legion, of course, and powerful and threatening. But after we identify them and their underlying root system, we may discover that they are the doorways to the future. But that is for later.

Now, let's take a look with unflinching honesty at some of our current obstacles, again, using Wilber’s quadrants, of mindsets, behaviors, cultures and systems. Here is a quick brainstorm.

Individual Mindsets
I’m all that matters. Climate change is a hoax. Women are men’s property. Nature is an endless resource. Guns keep us safe. War is the way to resolve disputes. Animals don’t have intelligence or feelings. Water is a commodity. Austerity will strengthen the economy. The bottom line is money. If people can’t make it on their own, they should die. My race is superior. Poor people are lazy.  Only my religion is true. If someone does something wrong, they should be locked away. We don’t need government. Government is the problem. The UN is trying to take over the world. Evolution is not true. Science and learning are dangerous. Unlimited profit keeps the economy going. My language is superior. Greed is good. I am filled with hate. Narcissism is natural.

Individual Behavior
I pack a gun. Rape is the woman’s fault. Child abuse just happens. I have many addictions (TV, sex, drugs, overeating, etc.), Sometimes my wife makes me hit her. Human beings are naturally violent. Sometimes you have to be disrespectful and put people in their place. Bullying is part of being a kid. Lying is the way to get your way. If I get angry or am afraid I will probably have to shoot someone.    

Collective Culture
We believe in male dominance in government, business, family, etc. We champion the profit motive. The suit is our uniform. We value greed, wealth and conspicuous consumption. We must consume more and produce more. We are destined to dominate nature.  We believe that we will always have poor people. We believe that might makes right.

Collective Systems
We extract, process and burn fossil fuels. We remove mountain tops. We pollute the air and water. We frack. We are increasing ocean acidification. We are causing mega-storms, droughts, fires, deforestation, food production collapse, glacial melting, sea rise and the loss of coastal areas and islands. We promote GMOs and unhealthy food. We have costly health care. We have systemic poverty. We have nuclear power plants with radioactive waste. We must have dividends and interest to make money from money. We should have low taxation for the rich. We encourage unlimited incomes. We have crumbling infrastructure. We abuse and neglect the commons and public goods. We must govern ourselves through fascism, plutocracy, oligarchy, corporatocracy, systemic corruption, biased media and journalism and cronyism.

What underlies and holds these in being? How can these possibly become doorways to a compassionate civilization?