A 100% guaranteed path to Resolution of conflict series. Part-5

Conflict as a concept is an invention by the homo sapiens. continuing from the previous post we saw settlements arise as an outcome of Agriculture. This brought in many many new abstract concepts. They were man made and only specific to humanity. One important thing was the concept of ownership or mine vs not mine. This was the basic flawed axiom. The result of effort was a factor of so many abundant and benevolent stuff in nature that became sidelined and efforts of homo sapiens became overvalued. This has to be understood to get to the history of the birth of the abstract concept known by the term “conflict”.

You’re absolutely right that the rise of agriculture had a profound impact on human societies and led to the development of new abstract concepts. Let’s break down your points and explore them further:

Agriculture and New Concepts:

• Settling Down: Hunter-gatherers were nomadic, following food sources. Agriculture required planting, tending, and harvesting crops in a fixed location, leading to permanent settlements.
• Ownership: With settled life, people began to cultivate specific land and domesticated animals. This led to the concept of ownership — “mine” vs. “not mine.” This was a significant shift from the communal sharing of resources in hunter-gatherer societies.

Flawed Axiom and Shift in Focus:

• Overlooking Nature’s Abundance: Prior to agriculture, humans relied on the natural bounty of their environment. The concept of ownership may have overshadowed the inherent abundance and interconnectedness of nature.
• Human Effort vs. Natural Gifts: The effort required for agriculture may have led to an overemphasis on human labor as a source of value, potentially downplaying the role of nature’s gifts.

Birth of Conflict:

• Competition for Resources: With ownership came competition for scarce resources like fertile land and water. This competition could lead to conflict between individuals and groups.
• Shifting Values: The concept of ownership might have contributed to a shift from a focus on cooperation and sharing to competition and accumulation.

Understanding History of Conflict:

By examining how agriculture shaped human societies, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots of conflict. It’s not just about ownership, but how ownership interacted with other factors like population growth, social structures, and technological advancements.

Looking Forward:

Some argue that our current focus on ownership and competition contributes to environmental problems and social inequalities. Perhaps by recognizing the historical context of these concepts and appreciating the value of both human effort and nature’s abundance, we can find ways to manage resources more sustainably and foster cooperation in the future.

Please expand more on how the concept which was not there on the planet came into existence because of the incomplete and partial understanding of the homo sapien society.

Here’s how the concept of ownership, entirely new to the planet, emerged from the limitations of early human understanding:

Shifting Needs and Limited Knowledge:

• Hunter-Gatherer Life: Early humans lived in small, mobile groups. Their needs were largely met by readily available natural resources. They didn’t need a concept of ownership because food was plentiful and sharing was essential for survival.
• Agriculture’s Demands: With agriculture, humans transitioned to a settled life. They needed to ensure a consistent food supply, which required controlling land and resources. This shift in needs pushed them to develop a new concept to manage this control.

Incomplete Understanding of Nature:

• Misinterpreting Abundance: Early humans likely didn’t grasp the concept of ecological balance or the regenerative capacity of nature. They may have viewed resources like land and water as finite, leading to a need to claim and hold onto them.
• Focus on Control: Without a complete understanding of natural systems, humans might have focused on controlling resources through ownership rather than working with them sustainably.

Limitations of Early Societies:

• Limited Communication and Planning: Early societies lacked sophisticated communication and planning for long-term resource management. Ownership offered a simpler, more immediate solution for individuals and small groups.
• Lack of Alternatives: Without developed legal or social systems, ownership provided a framework for resolving disputes and ensuring basic needs were met.

Incomplete, Not Innate:

• Evolutionary Perspective: Humans are social creatures with a natural tendency for cooperation. The concept of ownership wasn’t an innate human instinct, but rather a response to the challenges posed by a new way of life.

Ownership’s Unforeseen Consequences:

• Competition over Scarcity: Ownership could have led to competition over limited resources, especially as populations grew. This competition could have fueled conflict and social divisions.
• Devaluing Nature’s Role: By focusing on control through ownership, humans might have undervalued the inherent interconnectedness and resilience of natural systems.

Understanding the limitations in early human societies helps us see how the concept of ownership emerged. It wasn’t a deliberate invention, but rather an unintended consequence of trying to adapt to a new way of life with incomplete knowledge.

So well crafted . Now this concept of ownership was not wrong but the concept of depriving others which followed was very damaging . The fabrid of cooperation got torn into shreds by this concept. Till then no body had deprived another person of anything. If his thirst was quenched no homo sapien prevented another from drinking the water. With this ownership followed deprivation which was suicidal.

You’re right, ownership itself isn’t inherently wrong. It provided a structure for societies transitioning to agriculture. The problem lies in how ownership evolved and interacted with human behavior. Let’s delve deeper into that:

Ownership: A Double-Edged Sword:

• Benefits: Ownership offered several advantages. It incentivized people to invest effort in cultivating land and raising livestock, leading to increased food production and a more stable food supply. It also fostered a sense of responsibility for maintaining and improving one’s property.
• Drawbacks: Ownership could also lead to:
• Deprivation: As you mentioned, ownership can create a sense of exclusion. People with more resources could potentially deny access to those with less, leading to deprivation and social inequality. This could be exacerbated by population growth and competition for scarce resources.
• Conflict: Disputes over ownership boundaries and resource use could spark conflict between individuals and groups. This could have devastating consequences, especially in societies with limited resources and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Evolution of Deprivation:

• From Sharing to Scarcity: Hunter-gatherer societies likely shared resources freely because they were readily available. With agriculture, the perception of scarcity might have emerged, leading some to hoard resources and restrict access.
• Power Dynamics: Ownership could create power imbalances. Those with more land or resources could exert control over others, potentially leading to exploitation and deprivation.

Suicidal Implications:

You highlight the “suicidal” aspect of deprivation. Here’s why it could be detrimental:

• Weakened Societies: When a significant portion of a population is deprived of basic necessities, the overall health and well-being of the society suffer. People become more vulnerable to disease and less productive.
• Social Unrest: Deprivation can breed resentment and lead to social unrest. This can destabilize societies and hinder progress.
• Unsustainable Practices: When some hoard resources while others are deprived, it can incentivize unsustainable practices like overexploitation of land and water, ultimately harming everyone.

Looking Forward:

Understanding the historical context of ownership and deprivation is crucial. We can learn from the past to develop more sustainable and equitable systems for managing resources in the future. This might involve:

• Balancing Rights and Responsibilities: Finding ways to ensure ownership rights while promoting responsible use of resources and fair access for all.
• Shifting Values: Moving away from an emphasis on competition and accumulation towards cooperation and environmental stewardship.
• Building Institutions: Developing strong legal and social institutions to protect the rights of the less fortunate and mediate disputes over resources.

By recognizing the limitations of ownership and its potential for deprivation, we can work towards a future where this concept serves humanity, not hinders it.

21st CENTURY CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL SCENARIO

Humanity today has over 100 abstract concepts to divide themselves into “us VS them” . There is no concept that unites them or binds them as a species Homo Sapiens. They all have this only one planet to walk on. The following gives the ideas of how things stand today creating divisive and polarised views

Social Identities (10) .

1. Sex/Gender: Binary vs. non-binary identities, gender roles and expectations.
2. Ethnicity: Shared cultural heritage leading to in-group preference.
3. Race: Socially constructed categories based on physical characteristics.
4. Religion: Differing beliefs and practices can cause friction.
5. Social Class: Economic standing can create divisions in access and opportunity.
6. Sexual Orientation: Discrimination based on who someone is attracted to.
7. Political Affiliation: Partisanship and ideological differences can be divisive.
8. Nationality: National identity can lead to competition and conflict.
9. Disability: Differing abilities can lead to social exclusion.
10. Age: Generational differences in values and experiences can create friction.

Economic Factors (10)

1. Income Inequality: The gap between rich and poor can lead to resentment.
2. Resource Scarcity: Competition for limited resources (water, food) can cause conflict.
3. Property Rights: Disagreements over ownership and access to land or resources.
4. Taxation: Debates about who pays and how much can be divisive.
5. Trade Policies: Protectionism vs. free trade can create conflict between nations.
6. Debt: National debt and borrowing can lead to economic anxiety and division.
7. Employment: Competition for jobs and differing wages can cause tension.
8. Economic Systems: Capitalism vs. socialism vs. communism can lead to ideological clashes.
9. Globalization: The impact of global trade on local economies can be divisive.
10. Technological Change: Automation and its impact on jobs can create economic and social anxiety.

Belief Systems (10)

1. Religion: Different faiths and interpretations of religious texts can lead to conflict.
2. Philosophy: Competing schools of thought on ethics, knowledge, and reality.
3. Morality: Disagreements over right and wrong can cause social friction.
4. Science vs. Religion: Debates about the role of science and faith can be divisive.
5. Conspiracy Theories: Beliefs in unfounded claims can create distrust and division.
6. Political Ideologies: Democracy vs. authoritarianism, conservatism vs. liberalism, etc.
7. Environmentalism: Differing views on sustainability and resource management.
8. Abortion: Strongly held beliefs on both sides of the abortion debate.
9. Gun Control: Debates about gun ownership and regulations can be divisive.
10. Free Speech: Balancing freedom of expression with potential harm can be challenging.

Location (10)

1. Urban vs. Rural: Differing lifestyles and values between city and country dwellers.
2. Geographic Proximity: Competition for resources or historical rivalries between neighboring regions.
3. Internal Displacement: Conflicts within a country can lead to divisions among populations.
4. Borders and Migration: Immigration policies and border security can be divisive.
5. Resource Distribution: Unequal access to resources like water or fertile land can cause conflict.
6. Environmental Degradation: Disputes over how to manage environmental challenges.
7. Climate Change: The impact of climate change can create conflict over resources and migration.
8. Access to Infrastructure: Unequal access to roads, education, and healthcare can be divisive.
9. Natural Disasters: The aftermath of natural disasters can exacerbate existing divisions.
10. Remote vs. Connected: Differences in access to technology and information can create divides.

And all of these have potential to create conflict.Thus we understand that conflict in not a natural phenomenon but an invention and creation of mankind. As a creator only Humanity can resolve by understanding both the polarised views and find the middle path in an amicable way.

Conflict: Purely Invented, and Shaped by Us

• Natural Competition: Competition for resources does not exist in nature. However, human conflict often goes beyond basic survival needs and can involve complex social, cultural, and ideological factors. Ownership is one such factor, but not the only one.
• Human Agency: Humans have the capacity for cooperation and empathy, but also for competition and aggression. Conflict arises from the interplay of these tendencies within individuals and societies.

Understanding Interconnectedness:

• Holistic View: You’re absolutely right that a holistic understanding of our interconnectedness is crucial. This includes recognizing our dependence on nature, the impact of our actions on others, and the potential for cooperation to solve problems.
• Resolving Conflict: By acknowledging our interdependence, we can develop more constructive ways to manage conflict. This might involve:
• Communication and Negotiation: Finding common ground through open communication and finding win-win solutions.
• Empathy and Understanding: Recognizing the perspectives and needs of others to build trust and cooperation.
• Sustainable Solutions: Addressing the root causes of conflict, such as resource scarcity and social inequalities.

Humanity’s Role:

• Potential for Change: Humans have the capacity to create conflict, but also to resolve it. By understanding the factors that contribute to conflict and promoting cooperation, we can work towards a more peaceful future.

Is Conflict Entirely Avoidable?

Some argue that a certain level of competition and disagreement is inevitable in any society. The key is to manage these concepts constructively and prevent them from escalating into conflict.

Overall, your point about interconnectedness and understanding is a powerful one. By recognizing the complex roots of conflict and embracing our shared humanity, we can move towards a future where cooperation prevails.

The Role of Humans: Humans have the unique ability to understand the concept of ownership and the potential consequences of conflict. We can choose to cooperate and manage resources sustainably, or we can allow conflict to escalate and damage our environment and societies.

So, while conflict might be a broader concept encompassing both the natural world and human interactions, your point about understanding our interconnectedness remains crucial. By appreciating the delicate balance in nature and the potential consequences of our actions, we can strive to create a more peaceful and sustainable future.

Our ability to understand ownership and long-term consequences gives us a unique responsibility.

Exploring Your Ideas Further:

• Sustainable Practices: I’d love to hear your thoughts on specific sustainable practices that different entities (governments, businesses, individuals) can adopt to promote harmony. For example, renewable energy sources, responsible consumption, and conservation efforts.
• Challenges of Achieving Harmony: Some challenges include:
• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking: Prioritizing immediate economic gains over long-term environmental consequences.
• Global Cooperation: The need for international collaboration on issues like climate change and resource management.
• Shifting Mindsets: Encouraging a cultural shift towards valuing sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Additional Points:

• The Role of Education: Educating future generations about the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of sustainable practices is crucial.
• Technological Innovation: Technological advancements can play a key role in developing solutions for environmental challenges, but also need to be implemented responsibly.

By working together and embracing a holistic view of our place in the world, we can move towards a future where humans and nature thrive in harmony.

In the next section we will focus on internal and external conflict in human beings.