It was the speaker's contention that mankind has evolved as far as it can in one direction . . . the direction in question being that of individualisation and competition.
As she pointed out, in the days of our early ancestors co-operation and a sense of community were essential for the survival of the species. They hunted as a pack, food was for sharing, heat was produced from communal fires and shared body warmth.Anyone stepping outside this concept, physically or mentally, risked isolation and death . . . each one recognising himself as a component part of a larger whole.
As we evolved, so our sense of individuality became established. With this came the acknowledgement of personal accomplishment and, in due course, competition. Over the years this sense of competition has been actively encouraged, with modern children being urged to compete from an early age.
We have undoubtedly gained in individual creativity and accomplishment . . . but what have we lost?Could it be, the speaker asked, that we've lost a vital memory . . . the memory of our basic unity?
Just think about it for a moment. If we relate this to our own body, let's compare it to the relationship between our hand and our fingers.
Each of our fingers is an individual unit, but where would they be if they failed to recognise the overall unity of the hand?
If we're to progress, it seems that we need to recognise not just our individual strengths, but the fact that together we constitute a conscious whole.
We need to see how understanding, love and wisdom are far greater in the whole than they can ever be in the individual.
Occasionally we experience such unity . . . if you've participated in a choir or played for a football team, you'll know what I mean.For a moment, just a moment, something is greater than we are.
But, to return to the analogy of the hand, wouldn't you agree that, at this troubled moment in time, humanity's self-obsessed fingers are choosing to wilfully ignore the hand that unites them?
Were we, even momentarily, to transfer our identification from the fingers to the hand, how much wider and more inclusive our perspective would be.
There are moments when the natural world clearly demonstrates this unity.
One beautiful example is known as a murmuration of starlings.
Click here if you need proof that the power, beauty and intelligence of the whole is infinitely greater than that of the individual.
I wonder, will there one day be a murmuration of mankind?
Will we see a world in which Jews and Arabs, Sunni and Shia, Brexiteers and Remainers all move together in perfect harmony?
At least we can unite in hope.
