Our mindset, our behavior and our future

Abstract

To illustrate how the universality of climate change is exhibited in radically different specifics, Kalamazoo, Michigan’s “100-year flood plain” which has been flooded three or four times in the past several years is offered as an immediate example. The county's general topography and very complex watersheds are described, noting the similarity between this microcosm and giant riparian systems. China's enormous data collection and analysis system founded on a magnificent recursive feedback loop is described. The parallel structure of human cognition as an inherited psycho-biological recursive feedback loop as the structure of all human cognition and learning is described with reference to how infants actually learn their native language. A brief summary of the critical role of China's “Three Teachings” (Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism) in fostering adaptation to nature is proposed in contrast to the Western preference for manipulating nature to fit human comfort. Practicing traditional modes of “meditation” is urged as a pathway towards a brighter future for both humanity and the nature. Coopting specialists in publicizing and advertising is required to help change the human narrative.

Keywords

Climate change / Human cognition / Traditional wisdom / Human behavior / Sustainable development

Declaration of Competing Interest

There is no conflict of interest in this study.

Acknowledgments

This research was a product of the Sino-American Symposium on Future Issues Affecting Quality of Life organized by the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies, on the Western Michigan University campus, May 4-5, 2019. Specifically, I wish to thank Professor Bojie Fu for both inspiration and encouragement to write this editorial and Prof. Chansheng He and Dr. Ying Zeng both of Western Michigan University for continuous assistance throughout the project.

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