CONFERENCE OF THE
WORLD FUTURE SOCIETY, 1982
Linking minds and awakening inner potential
Barbara marx hubbard
We are about to go through the eye of the needle—to link minds and become one, not by human engineering alone, but by the tendency of evolution to form whole systems.
Futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard suggests the next stage of human evolution will see a shift toward unity and whole system thinking. Because of the tendency of evolution to form whole systems, she envisions a time when those not wanting to be part of the whole will select out, leaving whole-centered God-centered beings at the next stage of evolution. She suggests that mystical and religious experiences, combined with modern technologies, will lead to collective consciousness where individuals will be encouraged to recognize their inner creativity and unique gifts, connect with others through networking and engage in inner dialogue with their higher selves. By listening to this inner wisdom and acting on it, people will contribute positively to society and ultimately create a harmonious future.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 2:49
Space and the future
Barbara marx hubbard
Space is an absolute necessity for human survival if we wish to optimize and fulfill our potentials.
Barbara discusses the dangers of escalating the weaponization of outer space and advocates for a positive approach focused on peacekeeping and cooperation. She suggests that space exploration and the use of non-terrestrial resources could prevent resource shortages on Earth and enable humanity to evolve into a universal species. By developing high technologies suitable for space, such as nuclear energy and bioengineering, humans can create a sustainable future. Her vision presents two paths: remaining Earth-bound or expanding into space with the potential to restore Earth’s environment while exploring new frontiers.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 5:17
The untapped potential of the mass media
Barbara marx hubbard
When the mass media enable networking on the local level, you’ll have a mass movement.
Barbara Marx Hubbard observes that the media has a disease which she calls “dis-empathitis, being dead on empathy. People running the media tend to think pain is more real than creativity and joy, so the public gets a distorted view of the human condition. But it has a tremendous yet underutilized potential to highlight the positive aspects of humanity. By shifting its focus to stories of kindness, resilience and innovation, the media can serve as a powerful catalyst for inspiration and empowerment.” The antidote that Barbara proposes is communicating the positive aspects of human nature and experience and developing mechanisms for participation and networking on the local level.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 2:09
The way forward: Embracing interconnectedness for human survival
Barbara marx hubbard and Thomas E. Bearden
If we cannot experience ourselves as one body, we cannot survive. -Barbara Marx Hubbard
As long as I see you as an object and not a subject, when you are different from me and external, as long as I perceive that external interface to you, I can disadvantage you and I think it doesn’t hurt me. -Thomas E. Bearden
In a panel discussion, futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard and physicist Thomas E. Bearden talk about the importance of interconnectedness and empathy for humanity’s survival. Thomas argues that viewing others as external objects allows us to harm them, but perceiving everyone as interconnected prevents that behavior. He suggests that recognizing the unity of all human beings is key to overcoming human problems. Barbara emphasizes that humanity needs to experience itself as one body to avoid extinction. She believes that artists and visionaries can help symbolize this unity, which is already suggested by many spiritual traditions. They conclude with the idea that humanity is transitioning to a new norm of empathetic consciousness, where peak spiritual experiences become common, leading to the extinction of self-centeredness and the emergence of a unified human experience.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 19:51
The Future of Space
Carol Rosin
Carol Rosin discusses the urgency of shifting towards global consciousness and cooperation, emphasizing the need to prevent the weaponization of space. She highlights the potential for mind-linking and information exchange to bring about a reality shift. By advocating for peaceful alternatives and connecting with decision-makers, individuals can contribute to creating world peace. She believes the focus needs to be on collective action, education and communication to leverage space technology for peaceful purposes rather than military ones. Her message is one of optimism, urging people to believe in the possibility of a peaceful, united planet.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 6:12
From Personal Transformation to Global Impact
Linda Groff
More and more people are finding that they have to work on themselves first in a spiritual sense, become whole in themselves, balanced, in harmony with themselves… -Linda Groff
Professor Groff notes the growing interest in consciousness and alternative lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of conferences and networking to connect with like-minded individuals. She highlights the shift from trying to change society externally to focusing on personal spiritual development first. She says this internal work helps individuals become whole and balanced, enabling them to contribute positively to society. In this regard she references Buckminster Fuller as an example of personal transformation leading to significant contributions to humanity. Bucky’s story illustrates that personal crises can lead to breakthroughs, inspiring others to harness their potential for collective benefit.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 4:06
Global Empowerment and Transformation
Marilyn Ferguson
The more urgent the world situation gets, the more urgent the economy gets, the more people are looking to alternatives, the more people are looking to innovation, to new visions. -Marilyn Ferguson
Marilyn Ferguson discusses the subject of her book The Aquarian Conspiracy, a global shift towards social change, where people are embracing new possibilities and personal empowerment. The transformation varies by culture and geography, with modern technology accelerating the process. Despite risks like the arms race, Marilyn sees a growing interest in deep personal and societal change, fostering empathy and reducing the chance of violent upheavals. She notes this trend across politics, corporations and grassroots movements as people seek innovative solutions amid global challenges.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 7:01
Educating Children For A Better Future
Richard Preston
Children are going to change the world whether we like it or not.
After retiring from the Marine Corp, Richard decided to use his remaining years to provide children with the right information and tools to make informed choices. He started programs like Future Farmers and Porridge using NASA materials to help children explore future careers in aviation and space through play and practical experience. Here, he highlights a crisis in education, noting that many children lack proficiency in science and math which affects their ability to pursue high-tech careers. He emphasizes the need to address this issue to ensure a better future.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 2:32
Responsible Planetary Citizenship
Thomas Berry
The planet from the beginning has been a numinous reality. Is has a psychic dimension, a sacred dimension, and for a child to be taught something about the earth and the life forms without being taught the reverence and the mystery and the awesomeness of this, is to deprive the child of an integral mode of being humanized. -Thomas Berry
Ecologian Thomas Berry expresses concern that the fields of education, religion, politics and mass media are seriously lagging behind the “basic story of the universe that is given to us by science.” Noting that the earth is a self-emergent, self-educating, self-nourishing, self-governing, self-healing and self-fulfilling community, he calls for education which integrates the scientific story of the universe with a sense of reverence and awe, highlighting the planet’s sacred dimensions. He says children need to learn about earth relationships and be encouraged to disengage from the consumer economy. Encouraging individuals and communities to take responsibility for the quality of life, he offers practical actions such as supporting environmental efforts, growing our own food, and utilizing solar energy to foster sustainability and resilience.
TRANSCRIPT
Video Duration: 4:18