BOOKS | Jonas Salk |1973
The Central Thesis: Wisdom and Survival
The principle underlying the requirement for continued human existence is the capacity to learn how to act wisely, which is critically important both for maintaining and improving the quality of human life and for survival on this planet. The title, The Survival of the Wisest, is a direct paraphrasing of the Darwinian notion of the survival of the fittest. Wisdom is required as a basis for fitness to maintain life itself on the face of this planet, and is understood as a new kind of strength, a paramount necessity for Man.
The existence of Man depends upon establishing patterns of order relevant to a dynamic evolutionary process. The processes of survival and evolution necessitate judgments for continued existence that, in time, will prove to have been wise. The wisest are those who comprehend the survival-evolutionary process, as well as the being-becoming process, and who make choices that enhance the possibility of existence rather than nonexistence. Wisdom is of practical value for human survival and for the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of life.
The Evolutionary Context and Epochal Change
The need for wisdom arises from an epochal change now taking place in human population growth and in the social and psychological realms. This change is of such magnitude and significance that it is judged to be of major import in the course of human evolution. Humanity is in transition between two major epochs: Epoch A, characterised by progressive acceleration, and Epoch B, requiring modulation and control, with the juncture occurring at the point of inflection of the sigmoid growth curve.
In this shift, previously prevailing values are forced by natural laws to undergo radical transformation and inversion. Man is now tested for his capacity to invent appropriate means to limit the harmful or lethal excesses of which he is capable, and is being tested for attributes needed for solving problems arising from this major change in circumstances. The struggle for survival, once manifest principally between Man and Nature, now seems to be taking place within the human species itself, between Man and men and within the individual himself.
Conforming to the Wisdom of Nature
Wisdom is intimately connected to understanding Nature's scheme. Man can learn wisdom from Nature, viewing himself from the viewpoint of the wisdom of Nature, which is the natural understanding of essence, process, and relationship in life, human and nonhuman. Man’s choices are judged by Nature, thus revealing the wisdom of his selections from among many alternatives. Man is required to modify his own evolutionary agenda to fit Nature’s agenda, as experience dictates the futility of doing otherwise.
If Man fails to judge and act wisely in maintaining life and the process of evolution, Nature can be expected to take an active hand in correcting his errors. Man must try to know as much as possible about Nature’s ways of error-correcting, through mechanisms of regulation and control, if he is to develop a niche maximizing healthy, constructive, creative individuals.
Wisdom implies making judgments in advance rather than retrospectively. The disciplined use of imagination in respect to alternatives, exercised at the right time and in the right measure, is essential to wisdom.
The Metabiological Requirements for Wisdom
Man possesses metabiological attributes in addition to biological ones. The metabiological realm includes the being-ego dualism. The being is the source of potential and undeveloped patterns, analogous to the genetic code. The ego is the enduring and conscious element that mediates between the being and the environment, analogous to the somatic system. Healthy existence requires the components of these complementary dualisms to function together in a balanced coalescence, with the ego serving the being without dominating it.
The attainment of wisdom requires the reconciliation of opposed complementaries, moving from an either/or attitude, which is characteristic of Epoch A, to the philosophy of AND. This philosophy encourages relating to Nature complementarily (and) rather than exclusively (either/or). The philosophy of AND is necessary for reconciling intellect and intuition, reason and feeling, and objectivity and subjectivity. This balanced use of the brain’s two aspects—the imaginative and the cognitive—is vitally necessary.
The emergence of the being from domination and suppression by the ego is a major change occurring in Man's consciousness. This trend facilitates coalescence and interdependence, which is necessary for the formation of the organism of mankind.
The Consequences of Choice
Man now stands at a fork-in-the-road, offering either a path toward maximizing self-expression and self-restraint, or an alternative path of limitless license which would unleash destructive and pathological greed. The prevalence of respect for wisdom and for those possessing a sense of Man’s being and the laws of Nature is required to ensure survival and a high quality of life.
The struggle in the human domain will eventually be between the wise and the nonwise. If the wisest prevail, the outcome will be interesting; if the nonwise prevail, the effects will be catastrophic. The wise will measure and tend to give in the short term to obtain gain in the long term, while the unwise tend to take now but will likely lose later. The operation of the equivalent of natural selection in the metabiological evolutionary processes will be guided by the choice of human values.
The use of wisdom in the game of life leads to the reward of a greater measure of fulfillment and satisfaction. Man needs to develop wisdom as an alternative to paths toward alienation or despair. Conversely, the suppression of the development and expression of the being leads to its deterioration, followed by the disintegration and destruction of the individual.
Evolutionary Epoch Transition
The course of human evolution is marked by an epochal change now taking place in population growth and in the social and psychological realms, judged to be of major import in the history of the species. This transition involves a shift between two major epochs in Man’s evolutionary history.
The Sigmoid Curve Model
The transition is modelled using the S-shaped, or sigmoid, growth curve, which describes patterns observed in biological systems. Looking at the growth curve of human population, the trajectory yet to be traced raises questions regarding the means that Man or Nature will invoke to deal with the developed excesses and persistent insufficiencies. The model suggests that the human species is at a very important nodal point in this process—at the juncture between a qualitatively different past and future, symbolized by the inflection point.
The lower portion of the curve (Epoch A) gives the impression of continuous, even explosive expansion. The upper portion (Epoch B) gives the impression of modulation and control, leading to the establishment of a limit. At the region of inflection, a clear break occurs, suggesting the operation of a signalling mechanism that brings about the change from progressive acceleration to progressive deceleration. This signalling produces a uniform process, reflecting an ordering principle in response to signals both from the environment and from within the organisms themselves. The curve may be separated into two symbols, A and B, to emphasize the difference in attitude and outlook prevailing during these distinct periods.
Inversion of Values and Conflict Resolution
The shift between Epoch A and Epoch B forces previously prevailing values to undergo radical transformation and even inversion. Man is subjected to a new and possibly more severe challenge than ever before, requiring perspective and insight to deal with the necessary inversion of values. The profundity of this change means that what was of positive value in Epoch A may, in fact, become of negative value in Epoch B; conversely, if Epoch B values had prevailed earlier, they would have been of opposite value in the A epoch.
An overt struggle over values is becoming evident, indicating a shift in dominance between two basically different systems that have long coexisted as a conflicting dualism. The inversion in values is a natural accompaniment to the transition associated with the point of inflection. Diagrammatically, these two value systems coexist and grow separately until circumstances cause the emerging values (B) to accelerate or the old values (A) to be arrested. New concepts will emerge regarding the nature of Man and his relationship to all parts of the cosmos.
The Shift in Philosophical and Qualitative Focus
Epoch A reflected the prevalence of the or rather than the and attitude, accompanied by the dominance of individual and ego attitudes. The future, Epoch B, will necessitate an and philosophy, relating to Nature complementarily rather than exclusively. The attitudes and values that also guide human behavior will be put to the test in this transition.
The transition involves a fundamental change in operative concerns:
|Epoch A Tendencies|Epoch B Tendencies|
|:--|:--|
|Anti-Death|Pro-Life|
|Anti-Disease|Pro-Health|
|Self-Repression|Self-Expression|
|External Restraint|Self-Restraint|
The energy previously involved in population growth (quantity) will find better expression in directions dealing with quality. Man is seeking tolerable levels quantitatively and is called upon to develop qualitatively satisfying ways of living. The shift involves a greater consciousness of the health of the individual for species survival, focusing on the quality of the individual rather than quantity alone. The choice remains for Man to cooperate with this inevitable evolutionary process or not. Man is being tested for attributes necessary for the solution of problems arising from this major change in circumstances. Man's choices will be judged by Nature, thus revealing the wisdom of his selections from among many alternatives.
Man’s Dualistic Nature (Metabiology)
Man is viewed as possessing metabiological attributes as well as biological attributes, which require understanding and development if he is to cooperate with and not counter to the laws of Nature in the game of evolution. The dualistic nature of Man is expressed in the concept of the being-ego system, which is essential for comprehending human behaviour in evolutionary terms. The emergence of metabiological phenomena, including the being and ego dualism, is a result of the inexorable evolutionary process moving toward higher and higher complexity.
The Being and the Ego: A Biological Analogue
To clarify this dualistic nature, an analogy is drawn between the being-ego system and the genetic-somatic dualismfound in biological organisms.
#### The Being (Analogous to Genetic Code)
The being is defined as absolute existence in a complete or perfect state, lacking no essential characteristic, emergence of metabiological phenomena, including the being and ego dualism, is a result of the inexorable evolutionary process moving toward higher and higher complexity.
- Nature and Function:
The being is the centre in which exist the possibilities that, when unfolded, reveal the essence of the person both as a member of the species and as an individual. It contains the undeveloped patterns of behaviour and the accumulation of patterns of responsiveness that arose by mutation and internal selection. The being is thought of as the equivalent of a genetic code representing the accumulation of patterns of responsiveness.
- Immutability and Expression:
The being is viewed as immutable, but its expression can be influenced by the ego, leading to its suppression, expression, or nonexpression. The being acts according to the laws of Nature.
- Purpose:
The being program is related to the fulfillment of some destiny not altogether discernible. The being desires to satisfy Nature, the species, and the individual's being. The individual being is the inexorable source of the creative and evolutionary force.
#### The Ego (Analogous to the Somatic System)
The ego is the enduring and conscious element that knows experience, reacts to the outside world, and thus mediates between the being and the demands of the social and physical environment.
- Nature and Function:
The ego is analogous to the somatic system in its relation to the genetic. The ego affords the means necessary for the being’s expression. It is the tool of the being, communicating with it, with others, and with the environment by many different modalities. The ego program is related to survival in the present.
- Development and Influence:
The ego is conceived of as serving to facilitate self-development and self-expression, requiring the exercise of measured self-restraint and self-discipline. The ego is formed and shaped by external influences, including the ego influences of others, and in turn influences and shapes other egos. The ego may also exercise unmeasured restraint or discipline, thereby reducing its value in the development and expression of the being.
The Interdependence and Requirement for Balance
The being and the ego are distinct but interdependent parts of Man. They are complementary programs.
- Healthy Functioning:
Healthy existence requires the components of these complementary dualisms to function together in a balanced coalescence. Ideally, the ego should serve the being as the somatic system should serve its genetic system, which protects, expresses, and perpetuates both the individual and the species. The cooperation of these two factors leads to their enhancement and results in a fullness of health not only of the biological but of the metabiological systems.
- Malfunction and Pathology:
Maldevelopment or malfunction of either the being or the ego results in behavioral disorders. If the ego comes under the influence of other egos, or if the ego dominates the being, a potentially destructive effect is possible. Suppression of the development and expression of the being leads to its deterioration, followed by the disintegration and destruction of the individual.
- Consciousness and Discipline:
Consciousness of one's own being is a prerequisite to full self-development as well as to full self-expression with self-restraint. What is required is the constant, disciplined management of these relationships and forces. The struggle in the human realm is between self-expression and self-restraint within the individual.
Metabiology and Transcendence
Metabiological phenomena are those that are more closely and obviously related to the being-ego level of organization, as distinct from the genetic-somatic level of biological organization.
- Transcendence: Metabiology is concerned with transcendence, or going beyond the ordinary limits of living matter. This phenomenon is seen as an effect of the existence of the being-ego dualism, manifest in art, science, and other forms of human creativity.
- The Mind of Man: The mind of Man is seen, in part at least, as a metabiological phenomenon, comprehension of which can be developed from a more solid base as the biology of the central nervous system begins to be understood.
- Metabiological Disorders: Just as one speaks of metabolic diseases, one may speak of metabiological diseases or of the nature and causes of Man’s distress. Deficiency states or excesses in the metabiological side of Man’s nature lead to pathology. The most prominent kind of disorder today appears to be in the metabiological realm.
The Dominance Shift (Epoch A to Epoch B)
The evolutionary transition from Epoch A to Epoch B involves a critical change in the relationship between the being and the ego.
- Past Dominance (Epoch A):
Historically, there was a dominance of external controls over the being, mediated through EGO-controlling factors, and the dominance of objectivity and intellectuality prevailed. This led to a separation, with the control of the EGO-dominant over the BEiNG-dominant.
- Future Trend (Epoch B):
The current shift suggests the emergence of the being from domination and suppression by the ego. The new trend is toward an intertwining relationship where the ego serves the being. This requires domination of the ego systems by the being rather than domination by others. The aim is a system which protects the species’ interest but does not thwart the interests of creative beings.
Evolution and Change Mechanisms
Evolution is an essential and inexorable continuum of growth and development, regarded as Nature's method for extending the persistence of life on earth. This process involves the elaboration of increasingly complex mechanisms for problem-solving and adaptation. Man, through the process of evolution, has himself been produced. Man is an active contributor to this process, influencing it through the impact of his knowledge upon his ego and being, which modifies him to bring about still further changes in an endless sequence.
The Dialectical Nature of Evolution
The evolutionary process proceeds dialectically, just as it does in the living universe. Change in evolution is not smooth but is characterised by oscillations. Periods of rapid change are followed by quiescent intervals, until an innovation appears which once again disturbs the equilibrium and gives rise to a further step in the process of evolution toward higher and higher complexity. The perturbations that continually occur in the cultural evolutionary process, in the aggregate and over the time scale of Man's history, are the cause of the macro-scale effects observed.
The processes through which Man is currently moving involve a value-based conflict, tending toward a shift in dominance between two basically different systems that have long coexisted as a conflicting dualism. Those who contribute to change are represented by lines moving upward, while those who counter or resist change are represented by horizontal lines. Individuals whose behaviour does not become part of the evolutionary scheme of things are often judged to be anti-evolutionary, or nonfits, or misfits.
Mutation and Selection
Evolution, both biologically and metabiologically, occurs through the variety of mechanisms involving mutation and selection.
Mutation implies the spontaneous appearance of new inheritable information. This results in new combinations which are then tested for evolutionary value in the course of experience. For instance, sexual reproduction may be seen as a producer of mutations due to new mixtures of inheritable information. Other ways of altering inheritable biological information include the application of X-rays to germinal tissue, chemical means, or purely accidental copying errors in gene replication.
In the metabiological realm, new ideas arise spontaneously or by deliberate search. These ideas have effects analogous to new inheritable biological information in their transmissibility from generation to generation by cultural means. Revolutionary ideas may be seen as part of the process of evolution, equivalent to the occurrence of mutations in the biological domain. These ideas are then subjected to the process of selection for survival, to be retained until changed or eliminated.
Selection implies preference according to the prevailing criteria of biological and/or metabiological values. In all instances, the survival value of the products for continued evolution is determined subsequently. That which survives, of that which is new, is determined by being not only the fittest, but also that which fits best in the constantly changing circumstances.
##### Cultural and Metabiological Acceleration
Man's metabiological evolution is more easily influenced and accelerated than his biological evolution. This is partly due to cultural factors, such as communication, transportation, and increased educational opportunities, which have augmented intermingling and led to what might be called cultural hybridization. This has served to reduce external restraint upon individual expression and increase opportunities for choice.
The evolutionary process has resulted in the appearance of metabiological phenomena. The operation of the equivalent of natural selection in these metabiological processes is guided by the choice of human values. If Man fails to act wisely in maintaining life and the process of evolution, Nature can be expected to take an active hand in correcting his errors. Continued existence implies continued evolution, or change, as well as continued survival.