The Face Of Civility

R.E. Landridge

1996

Published in:

Technocracy Digest, 2nd quarter 1996, No. 320

The interactions of the human animal are both complex and diverse. We operate and interrelate on many different levels. The persona that we present to others may vary greatly according to the relationship we have with that particular individual. It may vary according to sex, blood, or marital relationship. Age and education, as well as social standing, may also play a significant role in our conduct toward others, as may perceptions of identifying characteristics such as race, religion, language, and nationality. Physically identifying characteristics are strong motivators of conduct. Physical disfigurement can evoke preconceived notions of worth and competence, as can differences in both style and quality of clothing. Preferences in food and drink, both in type and quantity, as well as preparation, can bring out latent animosities and prejudices, as well as feelings of comfort and security.

But even well conditioned responses to familiar stimuli can change under pressure and stress. One's view of the world and all its glory may be extremely positive under one set of conditions, but may quickly become negative given another set of circumstances. While consistent wild swings of mood may be accurately diagnosed as manic-depressive and treated quite successfully, less obvious milder swings may not only be difficult to treat, but just as difficult to diagnose. This internal change in response to changes in external conditions is often observed in our daily interaction with our fellow citizens. Thus the civility and courtesy that is a necessary part of social peace and harmony, is dependent upon the circumstances that affect our quality of life. The complex psychological makeup of each individual will be reflected in the manner in which he or she reacts to the circumstances particular to that moment.

Each day brings more understanding of the human brain, and the inter-relationship of its intricate and complex structure. Pre-set genetic conditions may cause certain types of behaviour and patterns of thinking. This is more probable than previously thought. However, the conditioning brought about by all types of social interaction still seems to have the most significant impact on how we relate to others, and in an evermore populated and crowded world, this is of major importance.

From the first days following birth, each individual is subject to an environment that is particular to them. How rich or poor, both in terms of physical and emotional context, is of paramount importance. It has been conclusively shown that an early environment rich in language, colour, emotional support and, most importantly, proper nourishment, is conducive to a more active and confident child, better able to take advantage of the opportunities for learning that are presented both at that time, and even during later intellectual growth. It is therefore imperative that maximum effort be expended to ensure that the correct conditions are provided.

That we are sadly lacking in providing this proper environment to a large segment of both our pre-school and junior school children, is evident to anyone dealing with the problem. The losses to society that result from this deprivation can only be speculated, both in the creativity that may be stunted, as well as in the anti-social behaviour that can result in destructive activities.

Recent studies have shown that it is quite possible that we cannot make up for these early childhood deprivations. If this is indeed the case, how long are we going to put up with this loss to society? How much longer are we going to be wedded to a system that cannot put into practice the solutions to problems that we continue to identify? What good is knowledge, if it is not used to ensure that problems that are readily apparent are resolved? How much longer are we going to allow this debt-loaded social operation to continue to dictate the psychology of scarcity in the midst of abundance.

The lack of sufficient nourishment is not caused by a corresponding lack of food, but rather is the result of a lack of will of the populace to ensure the proper distribution of our abundant food supply. The varying social, intellectual, and emotional conditions are the result of a social system riddled with inequities, and can be minimized through the provision of optimum housing, and the removal of stress caused by these uncertainties and discrepancies of our failing monetary system.

Similarly, a redesign of our overworked and antiquated educational system, to one more oriented to ensuring that the latent abilities of every individual be allowed to come to full fruition, will bring about a renaissance in human endeavour in all of its aspects. Science and the arts will flourish as never before, as the potential in all citizens will finally be tapped, not just those of a favored few.

We can move into the future today, if we utilize the knowledge that is compounding daily. Technocracy has been the only organization to accurately analyze the operating characteristics of our social operation and to design the necessary functional control to ensure that we can have both and maintain a high standard of living for every North American citizen. If you truly wish to make sense of the seemingly insurmountable problems that are becoming increasingly evident even to those that would prefer to deny their existence,

-- R.E. Landridge,
Technocracy Section 7943, Hamilton, Ont.
Editor of North-East Area News.