Are We a Species in Decline? | Dr. Eric Pappas (Contributor: Carly Blaine) | TEDxJMU

Summary

The speaker addresses the critical issues facing humanity, including wealth inequality, environmental disaster, corruption, technology's dark side, and the normalization of violence. He questions humanity's inability to resolve conflicts peacefully and our collective inaction despite recognizing the problems. The talk also touches on the unsustainable nature of capitalism and population growth, suggesting a potential decline of our species if we fail to change our behaviors to align with our values.

Takeaways

• 🌍 **Global Wealth Inequality**: The concentration of wealth is increasing, with examples such as three billionaires in the U.S. controlling wealth equivalent to the bottom 50% of the population.
• 🌱 **Environmental Disaster**: We are already in a stage of environmental disaster, with our habitat being despoiled and no easy way to reverse the damage.
• 🏢 **Government and Corporate Corruption**: There's a dramatic increase in corruption globally, including in democratic countries.
• 🤖 **Technology Dependence**: Society's reliance on technology is growing, with potential job displacement due to advancements like robotics and driverless cars.
• 🔫 **Violence as the Norm**: Violence, including school shootings and wars, has become an everyday occurrence, with wars often fought over religious beliefs.
• 💵 **The Cost of War**: Wars are extremely costly, with trillions of dollars spent, which could otherwise be used for social programs like education and healthcare.
• 🌏 **Consumerism and Pleasure-Seeking**: People are identified by their consumerist and pleasure-seeking behaviors, which often overshadow more altruistic values.
• 🗣️ **Difficulty in Action**: Despite espousing high values, people struggle to put them into practice, often preferring to be known for what they say rather than what they do.
• 🧠 **Inability to Resolve Differences Peacefully**: There is a recurring pattern of resorting to violence to resolve conflicts, indicating a lack of effective negotiation skills.
• 📉 **Species in Decline**: The speaker questions if humanity is in decline, both in terms of moral values and biological fitness, with our survival as a species potentially at risk.
• 💼 **Capitalism and Greed**: Capitalism, as described by Adam Smith, is driven by individual greed and selfishness, which has been distorted over time to mean profit at any cost.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the transcript?

The main theme of the transcript is the current state of the planet, characterized by wealth concentration, environmental disaster, government and corporate corruption, technology dependence, war and violence, and the lack of action despite awareness of these issues.

What does the speaker suggest about the wealth distribution in the United States?

The speaker suggests that wealth is highly concentrated, with three billionaires controlling as much wealth as the bottom 50% of the population.

What is the speaker's view on the environmental situation?

The speaker believes that we are not on the brink of an environmental disaster but are already in one, with our environment being severely despoiled.

How does the speaker describe the increase in government and corporate corruption?

The speaker describes an increase in government and corporate corruption worldwide, with more tyrants and autocrats, and a dramatic rise in corruption even within the speaker's own country.

What is the speaker's stance on technology?

The speaker acknowledges the love for technology and its conveniences but warns that it can lead to job displacement and a dehumanizing effect.

Why does the speaker mention war and violence?

The speaker mentions war and violence to highlight how they have become commonplace and normalized, especially with the frequency of school shootings and the cost of war.

What question does the speaker pose regarding human behavior?

The speaker questions why humans do not act on the issues they are aware of, suggesting a possible lack of caring or understanding of life's meaning.

What does the speaker suggest about human values and actions?

The speaker suggests that humans often do not act according to their stated values, preferring to be known for what they say rather than what they do.

What does the speaker think about capitalism as described by Adam Smith?

The speaker thinks that capitalism, as described by Adam Smith, has been perverted from its original meaning and now often equates to any method of making money, regardless of ethics.

What are the three premises Albert Bartlett presents that the speaker finds concerning?

Albert Bartlett's three premises are: unabated population growth, increased use of non-renewable resources, and increased consumption per capita, all of which are unsustainable.

What does the speaker suggest about the human species' potential for change?

The speaker suggests that humans have the capacity for intentional change due to their ability to think, feel emotions, and reflect on their behaviors.

What is the speaker's final call to action?

The speaker's final call to action is for individuals to start with personal change, reflecting on whether their behaviors align with their values, as a first step towards broader societal change.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Planetary Peril and Societal Decay

This paragraph discusses the critical state of our planet, highlighting issues such as wealth concentration, environmental disasters, government and corporate corruption, and the deification of technology. It also touches on the excitement around advancements like robotics and driverless cars, but warns of potential job displacement. The prevalence of war and violence, including school shootings, is noted, along with the high costs of war and the lack of investment in social programs. The speaker questions humanity's indifference to these issues, suggesting that material and power gains overshadow concerns for the collective well-being and the planet's future.

05:00

📉 Decline of Humanity and Capitalism's Impact

The speaker contemplates whether humanity is in decline, citing issues like declining educational standards and the destruction of our habitat. Despite acknowledging good people and positive actions, the speaker argues that these are not enough to reach a critical mass of change. The paragraph introduces a list of issues causing human conflict, suggesting that humans have a tendency to exploit and control each other, possibly due to deep-seated insecurities. The discussion then shifts to the impact of capitalism, as described by Adam Smith, and how it has evolved from a theoretical marketplace to a system that seems to prioritize profit over ethical considerations. The speaker also mentions Albert Bartlett's three premises indicating unsustainable human practices, leading to questions about humanity's long-term survival and empathy.

10:01

🤳 Distraction and the Misuse of 'Survival of the Fittest'

This section critiques the constant busyness and distraction in modern life, suggesting that it serves as an avoidance mechanism for self-reflection. The speaker discusses the concept of victim status as an excuse for inaction. The paragraph also addresses the misuse of Darwin's theory 'survival of the fittest,' clarifying that it was not originally about humans but has been misapplied to justify various forms of aggression and competition. The speaker reflects on the potential lack of hope and the limitations of hope as an action motivator, suggesting that real change requires more than just wishing for it.

15:05

🔄 The Need for Individual Change and Action

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of individual change as a starting point for broader societal transformation. The speaker challenges the audience to ensure their behaviors align with their values and to take action. The paragraph suggests that the coming decades will be crucial for humanity and the planet, and it may be time for individuals to reflect inwardly and then reach out to effect change. The applause at the end indicates the end of the speech and the speaker's call to action.

Keywords

💡Environmental Disaster

Environmental disaster refers to a sudden event that causes widespread destruction to the environment and its inhabitants. In the video, this term is used to describe the current state of the planet, emphasizing that we are not just on the brink of disaster but are already experiencing it. The script mentions that humans have despoiled their habitat, indicating the severity of environmental issues.

💡Wealth Concentration

Wealth concentration is the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few individuals or entities. The video uses the example of three billionaires in the United States controlling as much wealth as the bottom 50% of the population to illustrate the disparity in wealth distribution. This concept is tied to the theme of societal inequality and its implications on the planet's peril.

💡Government Corruption

Government corruption denotes dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often for personal gain. The script points to a dramatic increase in government corruption worldwide, suggesting that it is a significant factor contributing to the planet's peril. It implies a loss of trust and integrity in governance.

💡Deification of Technology

Deification of technology refers to the excessive worship or reliance on technology. The video discusses how society's love for technology, such as computers, cell phones, and robotics, can lead to a neglect of other important aspects of life. This concept is used to critique the uncritical embrace of technological advancements.

💡War and Violence

War and violence are terms used to describe the use of armed force and conflict to inflict harm. The video highlights the normalization of violence, particularly mentioning school shootings, and the high costs of war. It questions why society continues to engage in such destructive behaviors instead of investing in positive alternatives like education and healthcare.

💡Material Gains

Material gains refer to the acquisition of physical possessions or wealth. The script suggests that people are so focused on their own material gains and power that they neglect the bigger issues facing humanity. This term is used to critique consumerism and the prioritization of personal wealth over collective well-being.

💡Species in Decline

Species in decline indicates a decrease in the population or vitality of a species. The video raises the possibility that humanity, due to its unsustainable practices and inability to resolve conflicts peacefully, may be on a path towards decline or even extinction. This concept is central to the video's theme of the planet's peril.

💡Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit. The video discusses how capitalism, as described by Adam Smith, is driven by individual greed and selfishness. It critiques the modern interpretation of capitalism as being devoid of rules and focused solely on profit, often at the expense of ethical considerations.

💡Population Growth

Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population. The video mentions Albert Bartlett's premise that unabated population growth, along with increased use of non-renewable resources and consumption per capita, is unsustainable. This keyword is used to highlight one of the factors contributing to the planet's peril.

💡Survival of the Fittest

Survival of the fittest is a phrase from Darwin's theory of evolution, suggesting that those best adapted to their environment will survive and reproduce. The video points out the irony that this phrase is often misapplied to justify aggressive human behavior, despite the fact that Darwin's work was not about humans but about natural selection in the animal kingdom.

💡Individual Change

Individual change refers to personal transformation or the act of making changes within oneself. The video concludes with the idea that change starts with the individual, suggesting that for society to change, people must first reflect on their own behaviors and values. This keyword encapsulates the video's call to action for viewers to take responsibility for their part in the planet's peril.

Highlights

Increased concentration of wealth worldwide.

Three billionaires in the US control as much wealth as the bottom 50% of the population.

We are in a stage of environmental disaster with no turning back.

Government and corporate corruption are increasing globally.

The deification of technology and its impact on society.

Excitement about robotics and driverless cars may lead to job loss.

Violence is an everyday issue, with over 200 school shootings in the past 20 years.

Wars are becoming commonplace and are extremely costly.

The question of why we don't do more about the issues we face as a society.

The inability to negotiate differences without resorting to violence.

The decline in species may be due to our inability to understand long-term survival.

Adam Smith's view on capitalism being driven by individual greed and selfishness.

Albert Bartlett's three premises for species decline: population growth, use of non-renewable resources, and increased consumption per capita.

The idea that humans might lack the empathy needed for long-term survival.

The importance of not being distracted from the real issues facing humanity.

The misuse of Darwin's 'survival of the fittest' concept in human society.

Darwin's belief in the possibility of human change and intentional improvement.

The potential lack of hope and the need for action in the face of global challenges.

The importance of individual change as the first step towards reaching out and making a difference.

Transcripts

we are a planet in great peril we really

are where our planet in peril here are a

few of the things just a few of the

things that characterize our planet we

have an increased concentration of

wealth all over the planet an example of

that three billionaires in the United

States control as much wealth as the

bottom 50% of the population of the

United States this is happening all over

the world we're not on the brink of

environmental disaster we're in a stage

of environmental disaster

there's no turning it around with the

environment we have managed to despoil

our habitat we have increased government

and corporate corruption all over the

world we have more tyrants more

autocrats dramatic increase in

government corruption even in our own

country the deification of technology we

love technology we love easy we love

fast we love our computers we love our

cell phones all of it we love we love

video games we love pornography we're

just and we don't judge it folks we

don't judge it and lately

robotics driverless cars things of that

nature we're all excited about that and

the thing that we may not realize is

that that robot that's so fascinating

might have your job in a year or two war

and violence violence is now an everyday

thing in this country and around the

world over the past 20 years we have had

over 200 school shootings we only hear

about the ones that take out a lot of

students it's become an everyday issue

and we get together after the shootings

and we we mourn together and and then we

forget about it a couple of weeks and we

just keep moving on war on the other

hand is becoming very commonplace

generally speaking at least globally

there are wars over who has the right

god and I think the thing that we don't

think

a lot of times is that war cost money

cost a lot of money it cost trillions of

dollars in the United States and what is

war debt us what are the alternatives

free tuition for everybody better health

care but seems like our politicians and

and industrialists have a real penchant

for the business of war so here's the

question what's wrong with us why don't

we do anything about this why don't we

reach out do we not care do we have no

sense of what the meaning of life is

what we're supposed to be doing here are

we so tied up in our own material gains

power gains that we don't think about

this we don't think about that long

journey that we're on as a species you

know around the world we're known for

our pleasure-seeking and our consumerism

that's how we're identified across the

world so here's the issue you know I

hear from people around the world these

wonderful values these these humanistic

and life-affirming values these

wonderful things from people but it

seems like we have a terribly hard time

putting them into action actually doing

the things that we talk about it's like

we like to be known by what we say not

by what we do it's a big problem that we

have so much difficulty accepting

differences our differences especially

religious racial ethnic around the world

we're not doing much about it again

we're not not really reaching out we're

you know small efforts so when I was

when I was in my 20s I realized

something that that has bothered me ever

since

so I figured I would share that with you

maybe it'll bother you for a while too

that as a species as a people we have

the inability to negotiate our

differences without violence you know we

might sit down at the table for a while

and negotiate and talk a little bit

after that it's like well now forget it

let's just get the

guns out we do it again and again and

again and I know the pentagon's business

is war we have to be doing that but who

has the power here's the question are we

a species in decline not do we have

declining math scores or you know we're

not shaping up like we used to

biologically in a Darwinian sense are we

a species in decline now we have ruined

our habitat we know that and that puts

us in a bad situation so it's too late

to turn it around but are we a species

that somehow is not understood quite

what we're supposed to do that after a

time we will no longer exist on the

planet so you might say Eric oh god you

are so negative

you were so negative there are good

people all over the world doing

wonderful things I know there are there

are wonderful people doing wonderful

things I hope that in as an activist

I've been a part of some of those things

but we haven't reached any critical mass

there's not enough of that if there's a

critical mass it's in all the stuff I've

been talking about so Carly and I came

up with a list of issues that put human

beings in conflict with each other now

the list is way too long I could speak

for a half-hour on it but so we come up

we come up with four that might be

important it seems like human beings

have a real penchant I mean forever not

just now for getting over on each other

it seems like we like to take advantage

of people we like to control people and

we see it every day and it's not just

financial it's not just sexual and and

ethnic and that we have this desire and

all I can think of it you know as a

psychologist and I hope I'm not over

simplifying that maybe this is this

profound insecurity that we have that

secure people don't need to control

other people they don't need to get over

on other people there's nothing in it so

kind of a simplistic view but one

possibility right

so Adam Smith I want to talk about Adam

Smith in 1776 Adam Smith wrote the book

The Wealth of Nations many of who you've

heard of it it is the Bible of

capitalism it's the instruction manual

for capitalism and Adam Smith says in it

this is a quote the capitalism is driven

by individual greed and selfishness

individual greed and selfishness now

Smith was talking about the the

theoretical marketplace the ideal

marketplace where let's say for example

individual greed and selfishness maybe

back then I could make a better shovel

than you and charge the same price I

make more money based on my individual

greed and selfishness or you could offer

a service I couldn't offer you're gonna

make more money than me by that

individual greed and selfishness but

what's happened over the years is that

that term has lost its me and he has

been perverted in any number of ways and

now it just means that any possible way

you can make money makes you a captain

of industry and I'm not saying all

industries are bad you know not being

dualistic but it just seems like there

aren't any rules anymore if I can sell

you air and make money on it I'm

considered a pretty profound success and

I think capitalism has become how how

little can I sell you and how much money

can I make off it we love those people

do you think that your computers and

cell phones and everything that there's

not an astronomical profit on that

mostly because those things are made by

slaves but you know that's that's where

we've gone with with Adam Smith another

character Albert Bartlett you haven't

heard of him he's a physicist he came up

this was mid 90s I guess when I read an

article that he wrote that started me on

this species in decline kind of idea

okay he came up with three premises

listen to these one

is that we have unabated population

growth we have more people and more

people and more people and it's not

going away number two we have the

increased use of non-renewable resources

we're using them at an astronomical pace

they are going to run out some of them

have already and they don't have

replacements third increased consumption

per capita everybody has more stuff more

population more material use more

consumption that is unsustainable

scientifically unsustainable so maybe

maybe we simply don't understand the

terms of survival maybe when that first

ape jumped out of a tree and stood up

and the human race was born maybe that

it was not wired in such a way to

understand how we were going to survive

long term indefinitely

maybe we lack empathy as a species maybe

we're simply in denial it's like

everything's alright don't worry about a

technology you'll solve the problem it's

no problem let's you know text somebody

or could be distraction everybody I know

folks everybody I know is busy all the

time all the time we must be very

important in order to be busy all the

time what it says to me the advantages

of being distracted is that you don't

have to think about yourself you don't

have to deal with your demons which we

all have to do if we're going to live a

reasonable life we don't have to think

of most anything we're just we're busy

all the time

victim status victim status I can't do

that I mean I can't be a social activist

I'm busy all the time I can't care about

these things I'm busy all the time okay

it's inevitable that Darwin is going to

come up in this so here it is

in 1859 he published Origin of Species a

book that many people quote with very

few people have read it's 600 pages of

small type the phrase that comes out of

there that we all use is survival of the

fittest I heard it the other day and NPR

in some context now that could mean a

number of things if applied to human

beings it could mean hey you know I'm

I'm a pretty bright guy maybe maybe I'll

have a little bit easier time in my life

whereas at the other side of it it could

mean I have a lot of guns go ahead and

get me angry and I'll blow you away now

we've used this time and time and time

again I've heard it my whole life here's

the irony of it folks the origin of

species is not about human beings he

mentions human being once three pages

from the end of the book it's about

birds and insects and butterflies it's

not about people

fast forward 1871 he writes what I

consider his seminal work the descent of

men in which he says human beings do

have the possibility of change they can

change themselves because we can think

because we have emotions and because

we're capable of intentional change so

again you can come back to me and say

Eric you have no hope you're not a

hopeful person I'm not I'm not here's

here's the here's the downside of hope

as for as far as I'm concerned let me

think of a good example central Africa

there has been a famine and severe

agricultural problems for about ten

years

people are dying not enough that we hear

about it when when the little children

start dying in droves two or three years

and now we'll hear about it so you might

say wow I hope something's done I hope

they

rain I hope they get irrigation I hope

they get help

I hope somebody goes in there and helps

those beautiful little kids because

they're dying I really really hope

something goes on I hope and you hope so

much that you almost feel like you're

doing something like maybe you're

feeding the kids or maybe you're a

social activist that you're really doing

something to help because you're hoping

and you're not so is there a solution no

there is not thank you and good night

no just kidding that would be way too

easy

thought about it that the next few

decades are going to be pivotal for us

we might only have four or five more

decades with the planet looking like it

does including our own community things

will be dramatically different in this

world in four or five decades maybe now

is the time for us to be acting so what

do we do now

what do we do now maybe the first step

to reaching out is reaching in it may be

the first step to reaching out is

reaching in all change starts with

individual change how do we start I

think our problem is often that our

behaviors do not reflect our values our

behaviors do not reflect our values do

your behaviors reflect your values thank

you and good night

[Applause]