9.2 Development of societies
The development of modern Western civilization has progressed through stages—from the autocratic feudal model, through the nationalistic or ideologic phase, to primarily civic societies based on individual rights. Each new stage emerged amidst the chaos of major war.
The civic phase appears (or so it seems) closest to the foundation of any society, namely, humanity itself.
However, even within civic societies, a struggle persists over the concept of humanity—what is natural from the perspective of humanity and what is not. The fight over what is considered natural or unnatural, normal or beyond acceptable limits, does not necessarily foster a more humane society.
The result of such conflicts in civic societies could be a return to earlier developmental stages.There is also a risk that this shift—or attempts to initiate it—could once again lead to chaos and wars of all kinds.
Humanity, therefore, may not be so much the fourth stage of modern Western civilization’s development but rather a potential quality of any society. So-called “primitive” indigenous cultures often exhibit more humanity and naturalness than our “advanced” societies.
Note:
Some behavioural characteristics of each era are discussed:
in: Chapter 5.6, ‘Four Perception Eras,’ of the Business Orientations Theory
and in the blog posts:
‘Holders of Truth about Reality in Perception Eras.’
‘The Perception of the Divine across the Epochs’
“Czechia’s Greatest: A Trio Reflecting Epochal Shifts”
“The Bloody Paradox of Progress…”