Part 1

Accepting the state of our nation and the world is increasingly difficult, but it is becoming unavoidable. While some suggest that the U.S. is disintegrating and that humanity has irrevocably harmed the planet, leading us to consider abandoning it to more capable species, others are hopeful that human creativity and advancements in technology will pave the way for a brighter future. My perspective was inspired during a sweat lodge ceremony in 1993 at a men's gathering in Indianapolis, Indiana:

We are aboard a colossal ocean liner—the Ship of Civilization. Everything we have ever known is on this vessel. People are born and die, goods and services are produced, wars are waged, and elections occur. Species emerge and face extinction. This Ship sails indefinitely, seemingly on an eternal course.

Various decks exist within this Ship, beginning deep in the boiler room where the least privileged labor tirelessly. As you ascend, conditions improve. The Ship's executives occupy the uppermost deck, believing their position justifies their access to the finest the Ship offers.

Those on lower decks aspire to rise, yearning for elevation to higher levels. This has always been the case and seems destined to continue. Yet, a handful of individuals are awakening to a peculiar reality: the Ship of Civilization is sinking. Initially, like everyone else, they resist this notion. This Ship has survived for eons, and the idea of its demise appears unfathomable.

Despite their disbelief, they are convinced the Ship is indeed foundering. Attempts to alert others are met with skepticism. The notion that the Ship could be sinking is dismissed, and those who persist in their warnings are silenced by those in power. The Ship’s media continuously broadcast optimistic narratives about the future, claiming that technology will resolve all issues.

The Ship’s leaders assure everyone of forthcoming prosperity, yet water begins to infiltrate from below. As the water level rises, fear grips the populace, prompting frantic efforts to reach the upper decks. Some interpret this as the end of the world, welcoming the anticipated destruction as a fulfillment of prophecy. Others react with increasing irritability, anger, and despair, turning to substances for relief.

However, as conditions worsen, the voices of those who have been sounding the alarm cannot be ignored any longer. More individuals escape confinement and guide others toward lifeboats. Although there are enough boats for everyone, many hesitate to leave the Ship. They comfort one another with the belief that the situation will soon improve.

Yet, the Ship continues to sink. Many take the plunge into lifeboats, only to be astonished by the letters on the Ship’s side: T-I-T-A-N-I-C. Once they reach safety, they seek guidance from those who appear capable of navigating the crisis. However, they quickly discover that each must row their own boat away from the Ship, heading in their own direction. Failing to do so risks being dragged under with the Ship. Although self-reliance is necessary, connections with others are vital. As they row away, they forge a new, ancient network, creating a way of life that surpasses the sinking Ship of Civilization.

Here are several hopeful reflections I have contemplated over the years:

1. The term "Civilization" is misleading; it should be termed "Dominator Culture."

   The belief that "civilization" represents humanity's highest aspiration keeps us bound to the Ship. In The Chalice & the Blade: Our History Our Future, published in 1987, renowned scholar Riane Eisler highlights our deep-rooted heritage as a Partnership Culture and the more recent Dominator Culture, often referred to as "Civilization." In her later work, Nurturing Our Humanity, co-authored with peace advocate Douglas P. Fry, they provide tangible guidance for fostering a partnership-based world.

   Historian Thomas Berry emphasized the necessity for honesty regarding our current predicament:

   > “We never knew enough. Nor were we sufficiently intimate with all our cousins in the great family of the earth. Nor could we listen to the various creatures of the earth, each telling its own story. The time has now come, however, when we will listen or we will die.”

2. A world beyond civilization exists.

   Upon reading Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, I discerned two competing worlds: one dominated by hierarchy and control (the world of the Takers) and another characterized by equality and connection (the world of the Leavers). In Beyond Civilization: Humanity’s Next Great Adventure, Quinn asserts:

   > “I can confidently predict that if the world is saved, it will not be because some old minds came up with some new programs. Programs never stop the things they’re launched to stop.”

   He cites Buckminster Fuller’s insight:

   > “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

3. All civilizations eventually collapse, typically within ten generations (approximately 250 years).

   In Who Do We Choose to Be? Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity, Margaret J. Wheatley discusses the work of historian Sir John Glubb:

   > “Glubb studied thirteen empires in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, from Assyria in 859 BCE to modern Britain in 1950. The pattern of decline and fall was startlingly clear.”

   Wheatley concludes:

   > “The deceit we engage in is believing we are unique, that we can transcend history, alter the seasons, and step off the Arrow of Time.”

4. Understanding the reality of collapse.

   The notion of national collapse or humanity’s extinction is frightening for many. One response is denial, seeking refuge in distractions or addictions. Another is the false belief that technology will provide a miraculous solution.

   The term "collapse" evokes fear, conjuring images of disaster. However, during such events, not everyone perishes; many survive. The collapse of civilizations does not equate to universal demise. The British Empire's decline didn't result in the death of all its citizens.

   Margaret Wheatley draws from Joseph Tainter’s work, particularly The Collapse of Complex Societies, to define collapse as primarily a political phenomenon impacting all areas of society:

   > “A society has collapsed when it displays a rapid, significant loss of an established level of sociopolitical complexity.”

   Sociobiologist Rebecca Costa's The Watchman’s Rattle explores the fall of various civilizations, identifying their inability to manage complexity as the underlying cause of collapse. Edward O. Wilson states in the foreword:

   > “The clash of religions and civilizations is a consequence of our difficulties, not the cause.”

   Transformation is inevitable, offering a chance to forge a more sustainable and life-affirming existence. Our ancestors lived harmoniously with the Earth for millennia. Transitioning from our current state to a more sustainable one requires a new type of leadership, which Wheatley describes as a “warrior for the human spirit.” I will delve deeper into her concepts in the next part of this series.

   As Wheatley asserts, “The Warriors arise when the people need protection. The human spirit needs protection. May the Warriors arise.” In my journey of aging, disability, and confronting mortality, I find parallels to the broader transformations occurring in the world. Embracing our warrior spirit is essential to navigate the challenges of life’s later stages.

   Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated. If you enjoy content like this, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter. Part two will follow in an upcoming article.

The story was previously published on The Good Men Project.

About Jed Diamond, Ph.D.

Jed Diamond, Ph.D., is the Founder and Director of MenAlive, a health program dedicated to helping men lead fulfilling lives. Although focused on men's health, MenAlive is also beneficial for women who care about the well-being of the men in their lives. Jed has authored 17 books, including his memoir, My Distant Dad: Healing the Family Father Wound. Since its inception in 1992, he has served on the Board of Advisors for the Men’s Health Network and is a member of the International Society of Men’s Health. He blogs for various platforms, including ThirdAge, Huffington Post, and others, and is the only male columnist for the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. More information is available at MenAlive.com.