As the world continues to rapidly evolve in the face of technological, societal and economic change, there is increasing concern that the number of changes that are occurring are stressing not only individuals but overall humanity as well. Indeed the stressors have grown rapidly over the past two years. From the continuing COVID-19 pandemic to stressed supply chains to rapidly rising inflationary pressures, nearly every single individual across every single strata of society has been impacted.
The reality of today’s global situation is that everyone is under stress and there does not seem to be any rest from these stressors over the short to medium term. As such, there are a number of individuals and organizations that are rightly emphasizing the importance of individual mental health.
Indeed, the emphasis on individual mental health is not only a concern of individuals but of society as a whole. While many would argue that mental health is only a concern for the individual that is not a valid assumption in today’s society. Now more than ever, society needs to focus on ensuring that the mental health of every single individual is accounted for to achieve the next level of innovation and creativity.
Human civilization has greatly accelerated its pace of technological innovation and advancement over the past century but its societal and economic innovation and advancement has not kept pace. With the disconnect widening, it has put increasing strain on both individual and societal stability.
Indeed, the acceleration of technological innovation and advancement has strained the capacity of current social and economic institutions to adapt. We are seeing the side effects of this everywhere. From growing political division to rising wealth inequality, it is getting difficult for many to envision progress from not only a societal level but an individual level as well.
That instability along with long hidden systemic difficulties that are recently coming to the surface and are in direct need to be examined are making it significantly difficult for individuals to experiment and grow. Indeed, every individual and society is struggling to find the necessary “safe space” to try and achieve their full potential.
Not only is everyone struggling to find their individual “safe space” but they are also trying to truly determine what their “safe space” is. Indeed, with everything in flux, the reality is that the previously defined norms of “safe space” no longer apply. As such, every individual is in a heightened state of anxiety and malaise as they struggle individually to determine what their best interests are and how to pursue them.
This heightened state of anxiety and malaise on an individual and global level has eroded several of the core tenets that form the basis for individual and societal interaction. Whether it is what non-verbal or verbal cues that individuals are supposed to use in daily interactions to the topics that are to be covered, these core tenets are undergoing a transformation as well in these dynamic times.
There is no doubt that some of these core tenets were in need of update and reform thanks to ongoing cultural, societal and technological advancements. These core tenet updates aren’t only to ensure that we grow the number of individuals that can have “safe spaces” but to ensure that we continue to have innovation and growth.
The reality is that in an era where overall population growth is declining, it is necessary that we ensure that every individual has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. While there are many that would state that only a fraction of the total population would be able to take advantage of the opportunities, such thinking has more basis in assumption than fact.
Indeed, the reality is that innovation and creativity can come from anywhere and be influenced by anything. As such, it is necessary to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
One of the biggest initiatives that we can all undertake whether as an individual or as a society is to find the ability to continue to respect one another regardless of individual differences. Indeed, it can and should be agreed that even though core tenets are undergoing change, respect for one another is key for society to innovate and grow.
Indeed, we as individuals and as a society should be able to embrace our differences in a respectful manner. It is these differences that have powered society’s growth and innovation since the dawn of civilization and will continue to do so if we can find the ability to remember to respect one another and the differences that we all have.
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