2/ New Age of Humanism
Life is uncertain
“In order to deal with crises, we need freedom and space to deviate from established thinking patterns; problems are not solved by repetition and similar thinking.”
The Covid 19 pandemic has changed the world. At a time when we seemed to be slowly moving out of the pandemic into a transition phase, there is an increasing threat to security from climate change and geopolitical instability. After a crisis related to health issues, the 2020s continue with war, security crises, opposition to globalisation and the rising price of commodities which seem to set us back decades.
The effect of the uncertain and unpredictable world in which we are living is that many people feel anxious. Although crises can be troubling and anxiety-provoking, they can also serve as an essential catalyst for creative action and innovative solutions.
In order to deal with crises, we need freedom and space to deviate from established thinking patterns; problems are not solved by repetition and similar thinking. A collective crisis is a catalyst for people to think differently about their lives, health, livelihoods, and what we want to create and accomplish in the future after this crisis passes.
The answer for dealing with crisis lies in three strategies that have been proven to work around the world. The first is strengthening relationships within the community and building genuine partnerships that support each other. Next is to look beyond government agencies for guidance and advice, guidance can come from within and through a sense of spirituality. Third is taking principled and consistent ethical choices that are based on core values, these can function as a compass for life. The creation of values, solidarity and generosity will lead to a new age of humanism.
Banner image: artwork by Victoria Miro
1/Social wellbeing
Strengthening relationships
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs defines water, food, security, love and belonging as primary human needs. Maslow placed social needs in third place, but newer research suggests it may be even more fundamental. Social ties are good for people’s psychological health, and the need for emotional relationships and intimacy drives human behaviour.
People who feel part of a close-knit community can form a powerful shared identity with each other by helping those in need. Human connection functions as a safety net. When people are supported by others, they can better overcome challenges and maintain their mental wellbeing. Human connections and strong social connections influence people’s physical state in a positive way, improving their immune system and can even increase their lifespan.
Attunement is one of the most fundamental social skills in helping return to the basics of human connection. Attunement is the ability to stay in touch with your own mood and body while focusing your energy on connecting and attuning to others.
Psychology shows that we connect with those we recognize, that look the same as us. We should be aware of this, to step outside ourselves and make space for the other. Harnessing the power of togetherness by encouraging altruistic wellbeing, to focus less on our own interests and more on the interests of others.
Why this matters
All that deepens and broadens relationships help improve wellbeing. A shift away from individualistic lifestyles. Focusing on our human need for social and emotional connection will alter our lifestyles and what we create.
The Women Restaurant/ Bangkok Project Studio
Restaurant run by single and widowed women aged 55-94 in Ban Run, Thailand. See more here
There are no problems in art/ Young-Hae Chang
Video artwork about the conflict and struggle of daily existence.
Day 10 Wall/ Ambos Project
A series of artist interventions that address bi-national identity and transition at the US/ Mexico border, founded by Tanya Aguiñiga. See more here
Newspapers/ Megan Whitmarsh
Series of soft newspapers to draw attention to how your thoughts are shaping the world. See more here
2/The innerworld
Value system
Even during times when beliefs shift, faith still serves as a strong foundation for humanity. In times of trouble, more people lean on their faith in a higher power. Spirituality is the belief that there is something greater than yourself and usually involves some kind of search for a deeper meaning in life. Spirituality is often deeply personal, while religion is more organized, and beliefs and practices are shared collectively. Research shows that spiritual practices affect a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. Connecting spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing in people’s personal and work life becomes increasingly important.
A rich inner life is a life worth pursuing; it is a life of being attuned to your inner self, from beliefs, thoughts, creativity, logic and dreams. A rich inner life is not about material gain but rather a more permanent lifelong wealth.
An understanding of what is needed to thrive requires self-knowledge and connecting with one’s inner world. Self-knowledge allows us to show more compassion to others and can provide the mental and physical strength to overcome challenges.
People’s desire for a more meaningful life leads to a lifestyle that tries to minimize non-essentials and to focus on what is important. When people gain control over their belongings, they feel freer, lighter, and more focused. Changing habits through small actions that align more closely with people’s inner values can have surprisingly significant consequences.
Why this matters
Spiritual practises should be shared and nurtured; we can learn from each other.
Im hideng indart the ligt/ Gudrun Hasle
The body remembers; textile body maps in which aging, uncertainty and sadness affect the body. See more here
Consistent Inconsistency/ Studio Jibyji
Series of chairs to explore the multiplicity of identities we take on to deal with society or even with ourselves. Made during the pandemic, a time of self reflection, the chairs symbolize the different stages the designer went through. See more here
Final Act/ Ian Strange
House shapes being lit from the inside to symbolize the life that was once inside. See more here
3/ To live well
It is not all about money
The capitalist system has become ubiquitous, but economies cannot grow indefinitely. A more holistic view of life connects the wellbeing of a person equally to the wellbeing of others and the environment. Living well is about living in harmony with a balance between human beings and nature. Focusing on living well is a shift away from an individualistic mindset to allow enough space, health and food for everyone to live well.
Health is fundamental to human wellbeing and is achieved by maintaining both physical and mental fitness. Mental health is a crucial part of overall health. Since humans are emotional beings, emotion and feelings are fundamental forces in life. Expressing emotions begins with being in touch with how we feel. By listening carefully, emotions provide the information that helps to form stronger connections with others, face challenges, and improve life choices.
Paying attention to the physical remains important. Our physical experience colours our emotions, and that is why energy is very important. When people have energy, it is easier to make choices that contribute to their wellbeing. When people feel good, they can also take better care of others. Eating well and exercising are critical, and research shows that, contrary to popular belief, exercise boosts energy rather than depletes it.
Why this matters
Sometimes the least time-efficient way to go about something is the most efficient way to go about life. Life as self-expression and what we stand for.
Nature-infused hospice/ Yamazaki Kentaro
Hospice designed with respect for human dignity, warmth and comfort for the patients and their family. See more here
4/Digital humanism
Autonomy
AI is causing mass disruption and is reshaping industries, education, interactions and environments. The wealth of data and the increasing ability to understand vast, complex data sets create unprecedented opportunities for improving our lives. Driven by technological progress, we intend to optimize our lives based on rationale; the best action is selected to achieve a predetermined goal.
The deep motivation of what makes life worth living seems to be at odds with optimized decision making. Time and health are some of the most valuable assets we have, and sitting in front of a computer screen for fourteen hours a day seems to contradict this. Sedentary lifestyles weaken our bodies, and a constant stream of information causes mental stress and anxiety and allows us to miss valuable moments and experiences in life.
The fourth industrial age is characterised as a networked world. Consideration must be given to the gap between growing technological power and human psychological development. New types of ties and relationship networks should enable people to experience a sense of belonging through technology. Digital humanism revives human ideals for the digital world.
Saving time and eliminating challenges should offer the optimized life for us but at the same time takes away some of the colour and human aspects of life. Wasting time, slowing down, enjoying the things we love in life and doing those things that don’t need results can provide a lot of joy.
Why this matters
Insecurity and uncertain times can have a cathartic effect when we surrender to it and let go of the illusion of control.
Sharing Stories/ Hearing Voices of Support
Interactive art installation, featuring the voices and images of people affected by schizophrenia-related brain disorders. See more here
The performance of a digital reading/ Ginevra Petrozzi
Digital esoterism as a tool to regain agency over the realm of Big Data. See more here
Cosmic Wander/ Choy Ka Fai
Choy Ka Fai attempts to understand the human desire for transcendence and the metaphysics of the human body. See more here
Further reading
Reality+/ David J. Chalmers
What is the nature of reality? What's the relation between mind and body? How can we lead a good life? All of these questions are illuminated or transformed by Chalmers' mind-bending analysis. Reality+ shapes the discussion of philosophy, science, and technology for years to come.
A simpler life/ The school of life
The modern world can be a complicated, frenzied and noisy place, filled with too many options, products, ideas and opinions. This book discribes a life that can be more pared-down, peaceful and focused on the essentials.
Happiness by design/ Paul Dolan
How can we make it easier to be happy? Using the latest cutting-edge research, Professor Paul Dolan reveals that wellbeing isn't about how we think, it's about what we do. By making deliberate choices that bring us both pleasure and meaning, we can redesign our lives for maximum happiness.
The dawn of everything/ David Graeber
The Dawn of Everything fundamentally transforms our understanding of the human past and offers a path toward imagining new forms of freedom and new ways of organizing society.