Wisdom for a Global Tribe

Summary

In an uprising of collective wisdom in 2008, the American electorate upended the political paradigm to elect a President who stood for hope, change, and the ideals of a progressive agenda. Is there a way to identify the principles that allowed that process to unfold, and apply them to further the social change inherent in those ideals? Alan Briskin believes there is, and he has a deep reverence for the wisdom that can emerge when individuals come together for a common purpose, even—or especially—when those individuals bring divergent viewpoints to the table. He sees it as a key to the evolution of a new way of relating to one another, as we face the imminent crises of our time, and most importantly, when we must work together in service to those who are not of our own tribe. He explains, “The collective wisdom suggests that we become mindful of our own behavior in groups, and that groups are the unit by which we can create change. So notions of suspending our uncertainty, notions of respect for others, for being patient with the dissonance we may feel with those we disagree with, become disciplines and practices of collective wisdom.” His subtle but powerful message offers a blueprint for how we can create working relationships that optimize our ability to act wisely and effectively, “so that our children and grandchildren have a place that is inhabitable.” (hosted by Michael Toms)