Where Am I Holding Back?

I look out into the world. There’s much to admire. And so much that can be improved.

In an attempt to help, I try to pinpoint the issues, the reasons for their existence, and who or what is the cause.

Despite my good intentions, I am falling into a trap.

I am pointing to the system and its problems over there, as if it was all separate from me.

But what is the ‘system’, if not you and me?

If we were to remove all human beings from the earth, what of the system would remain?

We are the system, and the system is us. I am the system and the system is me.

I wonder: what is my part in the world and the society we live in?

What here is mine to take care of?

Schismogenesis.

That’s a mouthful of a word. Thankfully, it’s easier to grasp than it sounds.

Complexity scientist Gregory Bateson coined the term to refer to how systems fall apart.

There are several forms of schismogenesis. One is when power hierarchies become increasingly entrenched. Another is when competition ceaselessly ratchets up. In both cases, given enough time, such systems will eventually fall apart.