I’ve been reflecting on the myriad of challenges that confront humanity at this precarious time. You don’t need me to list them for you—most of them are difficult to miss. At the root of many of them, is the fact that those who are in positions of influence are not there on their own merits. They are there because of their family ties, their (allegedly) rarified blood lines, their superficial characteristics, their over-compensatory egos, their ability to manipulate human consciousness. As a result, most of the systems that govern and influence us are controlled by those who are neither interested in or capable of supporting the actualization of our species. They may believe that they know what is best for us, but they do not have the experiential girders or inherent brilliance to make those kinds of decisions. And their hunger for attention and power, makes them a danger to the species and the natural world. In short, they are coming from the wrong place, and their narcissistic intentions are undermining our collective well-being.
Our best hope is a meritocracy. By meritocracy, I am referring to a system of influence that is rooted in our genuine abilities and true accomplishments, independent of social, cultural, or economic background. In other words, you get the job, or you become publicly influential, or you win office, because of the gifts and offerings that are intrinsic to who you are and to what you have become through your own determined efforts. You have worked hard to actualize your talents, to build your egoic foundation, to reach a place where you are ready to bring your offerings to the world. And the world honors you for it.
In that world, there is no longer an aristocracy anywhere (and the funds they took in the name of the “commonwealth” etc. are returned to humanity). There is no longer a social media influencer with no skillsets of note. There are no political leaders who have gained office because of their family history, or their toolbox of diversionary cliches and manipulated optics. There are no “masters of industry” who took over the company simply because Daddy passed on. There is no religious or spiritual leader Godjectified by others because of their unfounded claims of enlightenment and Divine lineage. There is no media fixation with the rich and famous, no interest in the so-called elites and their attention-seeking shenanigans, no tendency to live vicariously through celebrities (and soulebrities). It all fades away, as it surely should, as we wake up to how much of our own potential is longing to be actualized. So much human brilliance waiting at the gate, readying for its moment of glory. Shall we let it in?
I imagine a meritocratic world that is emblazoned with sacred purpose. That celebrates individuation and self-creation. That praises overcoming and unique humanifestation. A world that is so busy exploring new ways of being and crafting new realities that it can spot plagiarism and pretense from a thousand miles away. A world that understands that the greatest achievers are those that overcome impossible circumstances and find a way to both heal and gift back to humanity. A world where we no longer look up to popularized strangers, but instead look in the mirror for our hit of greatness. What a thing—to see that which we project onto strangers, in our own two eyes. And to see it in those who have actually earned it, on their own brilliant and brave merits. What a thing—a world where not a shred of human potential gets delayed or goes wasted. This is the world I want to live in.
How about you? Does a meritocratic world call to you? If so, what steps can we take to co-create it?
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Speaking of overcoming and offering, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Fitness Trainer Annie Price for this week’s Enrealment Hour Podcast. In this riveting conversation, she shares the details of her profound early life trauma—that is, being severely burned in a childhood fire—and some of the steps that she has taken to find peace and joy on her path. There are many takeaways from her story, but perhaps the most significant is her remarkable ability to find the light in the darkness. And to bring that brave light to those who need it. Please check it out wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Here it is on Spotify:
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My wife Susan Frybort is a brilliant writer, who also contributes here on Substack. I was particularly moved by this recent piece: CRYING OUT FOR HELP: Thoughts on the need to be rescued and relational expectations. I hope you enjoy it....
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The audio book for my latest creation—Humanifestations: On Trauma, Truth, and Transformation—has just been released and it has reached #1 in its category (Quotation Reference Books) on Amazon. I am delighted. I recorded it one super late Toronto evening, and stumbled to the finish line to get it all done in one sitting. Please check it out if you are interested...
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Wishing you a blessed week,
Jeff
Jeff, you speak to a complete and total renunciation of the status quo to achieve what you suggest.
I read your vision as one of true public service: using innate skills and learning to propel humanity, in toto, to allow for more of what humans need to sustainably thrive: creativity and opportunity and knowledge and tranquility and beauty and joy and liberty and justice and access to the basics - clean air, pure food, safe and secure homes and neighborhoods.
Having more of these things would then necessitate less of others: war and violence, rent seeking, environmental toxins, and a short term focus.
Our society is built upon consuming. Addressing symptoms create more consumption than creatively solving causes.
We also have abdicated our sovereignty to those who would exercise control and thus so many have enslaved themselves.
History isn't hopeful that we can readily get where you seek we go without further pain and suffering. While we can likely get there from here it won't happen by accident.
Is it the leadership you describe we lack?
Or is it will to actually hold your vision in our minds and manifest the conditions required for it to materialize? Freedom isn't free.
👏👏🤣