A picture of sculpture showing human evolution; representation of the unrecognized flaw of evolution | Photo by Magda Ehlers
Human evolution has reached too far. Our relentless pursuit of progress has scaled our civilization to unfathomable heights. We have mastered the art of technology, reshaping landscapes, and astronomy. Yet, beneath our far-reaching human evolution lies a profound emptiness. As evolution equipped us with remarkable tools for survival and growth, we have been blinded to the wisdom embedded in our origin. The unrecognized flaw of evolution has distanced us from nature and severed the deep bonds of kinship that once defined our humanity.
In this article, we will delve deeper into that unrecognized flaw and see how we can reclaim the essence of what it means to be truly human.
The Evolutionary Journey
In the early days, humanity thrived in simplicity, the strength of community, and the unspoken trust among its members. Our survival did not depend on technology or wealth. We existed in harmony with nature, which fostered a profound connection to the earth and to each other, as emphasized in “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature” by Chet Shupe.
The simplicity we possessed before the dawn of our civilization was not a limitation but a source of shared purpose and harmony. Since the early eons of humanity, each individual’s role was vital, and every effort contributed to the group’s survival. It is the deep bond of kinship and interdependence that glued our communities together and created a sense of belonging. We survived because of love—a real feeling that gives every day of our lives meaning. Most of all, we survive because of our instinct, which is our natural wisdom. Sad to say, the extent of civilization made us obliviate the wisdom of our primal nature—a significant flaw of evolution.
The Hidden Flaw of Evolution
People wearing white | Photo by cottonbro studio
Ambition and societal norms began to take shape in our existence as humanity continued to advance. Our civilization, since time immemorial, has valued structure, hierarchy, and material success over the organic instincts that once guided our lives. Norms dictated our definition of “success” and “normal,” which demanded conformity at the expense of authenticity. The unrecognized flaw of evolution unfolds as our primal instincts, which once made us deeply human, become suppressed by societal structures.
Chet Shupe’s Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature painfully points out the severed human connection alongside modern achievements. While we have built towering cities and mastered technology and science, we still feel an inner void amid our external triumphs. This type of disconnection is the hidden flaw of evolution in humanity. We keep on yearning for a sense of belonging and purpose. And yet, our progress cannot fulfill it; how ironic!
Lost Wisdom and Human Disconnection
As evolution continues to march forward, we’ve lost kinship. This significant casualty in our progress reshaped our relationships from being pure and rooted in trust to something that’s transactional. Today, our connections are replaced by superficial interactions governed by social media, consumerism, and the pressure of individual success. Our society’s evolution grew more complex, and so did our connection to nature diminished.
Back when human civilization was in its womb, our ancestors lived in harmony with the environment. But now, as our society marches forward, we view nature as a resource to exploit. Here, we see clearly the flaw of evolution as it alienates us from the grounding force of the natural world. What’s more alarming is that this severance can harm our planet to a greater extent.
Rediscovering the Wisdom We Ignored
Chet Shupe’s Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature challenges readers to examine how societal norms have subtly imprisoned us. Since the birth of our civilization, we have been conditioned to conform to expectations that dictate our way of living. This led us to prioritize material achievements over emotional well-being and societal approval over genuine self-expression. While the constructs of society facilitated order and innovation, they have also chained us to a life of disconnection and superficial purpose.
The way to break free from the chains of societal norms is to acknowledge the unseen flaw in human evolution. It all begins with self-awareness, the realization that our actions in pursuit of our goals no longer align with our innate values. It’s time we ask ourselves these questions:
Why am I doing this?
Who am I trying to please?
By finding out the answers to those questions, we can untangle ourselves from the web of conformity.
If you wish to know more about what the book says, get a copy of Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature at Amazon or purchase an audio version at BookBaby!