Abstract
A common identity among humans coupled with existing local identities may be key to the longevity of our civilization. If a proxy for civilization longevity is the stability of a planet’s sociopolitical environment, then the longevity of a civilization is tied to the activity and behavior of its inhabitants. We posit that societal stability, defined here as the potential for humans to avoid either physical or ideological conflict with members outside of their group, is enhanced by perception of common identity and a preparation in the personal handling of emotional complexity. These skills can be accommodated for in early education. Teaching the Earth from space as a corner-stone of common identity, leveraging on the “Overview Effect” described by astronauts, can help introduce a neutral worldview to students and offers a framework for cross-cultural exchange. Introducing psychology in the early curriculum provides tools to handle emotional complexity on par with the cognitive development of students. We suggest that a positive outcome in the development of common identity and emotional awareness would lead to the emergence of empathetic behavior and of personally-identified value of self. These foundations of societal stability would enable civilizational longevity.
Published Version
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