Radical Speculation

The start of a new decade feels like an opportunity, a beginning. Part of forming goals is speculating about possibilities. In a time when we’re offered a few very specific accepted narratives, letting the mind run free in all directions to see what ideas eventually take over and spin more ideas, could begin to crack the rigidity of fixed mental habits. More radical speculation might loosen the grip of 20^th century conventions of thought that are holding new ideas back. The banning of a ted talk by Rupert Sheldrake is a perfect example.

https://youtu.be/JKHUaNAxsTg  

Speculation is seeing through time, and travels in both directions. The alternative narratives some call conspiracy theories are speculation about the parts of a past issue that are left out of the marketed version because some facts don’t fit the comfortable narrative of the status quo. When new facts are known, descriptions and explanations must be changed.  Now some schools are rejecting textbooks as more comprehensive records of history are integrating the experiences and accomplishments of the previously marginalized. Skills of speculation can be honed by projects where students investigate the areas where facts may have been lost, thinking for themselves instead of reading and listening.

The speculation on the future looks at what’s happening now and what it points toward. It is an act of imagination and generator of theory. In the category of science fiction termed speculative, many authors have imagined in fiction what would happen if negative trends in the world continue. George Orwell, Margaret Atwood and William Gibson are just a few of the authors whose books create scenarios that build on present tendencies.

I’ve heard brain researchers say the brain’s purpose is prediction and certainly where survival is concerned, knowing what type of patterns lead to danger and what is the next step of a procedure reflect the ongoing anticipatory stream of consciousness we all experience. The twentieth century technique for problem solving too often looked at the issue in isolation often creating new problems for the part of the picture not considered. Looking at the interrelated whole will be the best technique for the 21^st century, avoiding the need to solve problems created by isolated solutions.

Seeing is understanding. To build perception of wholes the best way is looking at art.

Recently my local paper reprinted an article from the New York Times about new research that showed going to museums increased longevity. With the health benefits to encourage people to see more art the ability to see wholes instead of parts might grow as well. A widespread evolution of mind is a necessary precondition to solving problems that require considering the big picture.