Reflection On The Annual Conference Of The World Future Society

Two main themes emerged at this year’s Annual Conference of the World Future Society. The first was Technology (big surprise!) and second was Oneness. First, let me elaborate on technology. A keynote address given by Joel Garreau introduced the topic of Transhumanism. I won’t go into it here, I’m sure you can find plenty of references to it on the Internet. Transhumanism is a topic that is also championed by the regular WFS conference attendee and lecturer José Cordeiro. Also discussed was the probability of what is termed as The Singularity. This was the topic of keynote speaker Ray Kurzweil.

What I would like to talk more about, though, is the topic of Oneness. This was introduced in the keynote address given by Lance Secretan. Ervin Laszlo also discussed it from a slightly different angle in a later lecture. Basically, everything is connected. Laszlo defines this scientifically as Systems Theory. Lance Secretan explains how we can apply systems theory to display leadership and make the world a better place.

Laszlo lectured on the information covered in his latest book The Chaos Point: The World At The Crossroads. According to his research the world is coming upon a point of bifurcation. We can either go to Breakdown or Breakthrough. Right now, events are chaotic and unpredictable. They no longer follow the steady linear progression that they once did. So, our roles as futurists are not to predict what will happen but to influence what will happen. Preferably influence the world to make a breakthrough into a more sustainable and peaceful planet.

Secretan gives you the tools to find your calling and destiny to help you become inspired. Once you are inspired you will take action and display leadership to make a positive difference in the world. I especially liked the CASTLE principles for leadership:

Courage

Being brave enough to reach beyond the boundaries created by our existing, often deeply held, limitations, fears and beliefs. Initiating change in our lives—of any kind—happens only when we are courageous enough to take the necessary action.

Authenticity

Committing oneself to show up and be fully present in all aspects of life, removing the mask and becoming a real, vulnerable and intimate human being, a person without self-absorption who is genuine and emotionally and spiritually connected to others.

Service

Focusing on the needs of others by listening to them, identifying their needs, and meeting them. Being inspiring, rather than following a self-focused, competitive, fear-based approach.

Truthfulness

Listening openly to the truth of others and refusing to compromise integrity or to deny universal truths—even when avoiding the truth might, on the face of it, especially in testing times, seem easier.

Love

Embracing the underlying oneness with others and life. Relating to, and inspiring, others and touching their hearts in ways that add to who you both are as persons.

Effectiveness

Being capable of, and successful in, achieving the physical, material, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual goals we set in life..

I would encourage everyone to learn more about Laszlo’s and Secretan’s message.