Harmonious Natural Fulfillment of the Individual

Arnold Toynbee measured the growth of a civilization by whether its citizens were increasing in self determination. By this definition, the Knowledge Civilization is growing rapidly. It is a new life form bursting forth out of the shell of a network of nation state civilizations that bound it in. Now it is breaking free, and the pieces of the shell, the remnants of the nation states are beginning to fall away, as the new life reaches up to its full height as a new born.

Toynbee's definition however, did not stop there. It also included the civilization and its citizens growing in inward maturity, growing toward the wholeness of what they evolved to be. For the Knowledge Civilization it is just beginning, but already producing an explosion of new knowledge and complexity at a much higher rate than before November 9, 1989. For individuals this growth means moving more toward their harmonious natural fulfillment as whole persons. Is this happening in the Knowledge Civilization?

There are many more ways to earn a living now than even one year ago. For example, new computer programs developed this year require new individual skills to operate them. There are also new ways to express one's creativity and achieve one's fulfillment as a whole person. These growing opportunities make possible more fulfillment for more people. This is real progress in the Knowledge Civilization and one of its richest blessings. People are different. Cultures are different. There is a wide variety in fulfilled lives of different individuals. The growing opportunities for different areas of expression of one's talents and abilities results in more people having more opportunity to be fulfilled and in actually being fulfilled.

There are signs that some citizens are changing their focus from money and material goods to living more well rounded, fulfilling lives. Living, simpler, more fulfilling, happier, less stressful lives is a life style valued by more and more citizens. Continue with Section 5. Harmonious Pluralism

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