Changes of the Human Mind

Abstract

Five books, representing a small selection of possible readings on necessary changes of the human mind, point to a convergence of interest from different fields of study toward the need for modern society to develop the capacity to respond to the complexity of modern life and the newly acquired ability to destroy life on an unprecedented scale. Those books are as follows: Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems (F. Capra); Common Fire: Lives of Commitment in a Complex World (L.A.P. Daloz et al.); In Over Our Heads: The Mental Demands of Modern Life (R. Kegan); Protean Self: Human Resilience in an Age of Fragmentation (R. J. Lifton); and Evolution of Consciousness: The Origins of the Way We Think (R. Ornstein). Despite the differences in the five authors' approaches, they describe a consciousness that is: (1) capable of developing a more inclusive world view and forming allegiances beyond the local; (2) cognizant of the interdependence among humans and between humankind and the earth; (3) able to cope comfortably with ambiguity; and (4) able to value complexity and diversity. All five authors call for changes in the way humans think, the way humans relate to the rest of the world, and the way humans identify with all of humanity. Study of these authors leads to building a curriculum for a new consciousness. (KC) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. N rn Capra, F. (1996). The web of life: A new scientific understanding of living systems. New York: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) CHANGES OF THE HUMAN MIND 1