The Human Journey

Throughout the travels of mankind there have been a number of way stations that supported this animal’s development.

I wasn’t there but it probably started with the management of fire. Then came the bow and arrow, the wheel, and domestication of the horse brought movement.

The early philosophers raised thinking out of the swamp and into the marketplace. The games in Greece and Rome introduced a welcome break from constant toil.

During Europe’s Dark Ages China delivered gun powder and paper, both potentially explosive. Along the way literature and the performing arts stimulated imaginations and the printing press provided a vehicle for sharing that.

Eventually, mechanics evolved bringing the steam engine and electrification. Then, the internal combustion engine gave everyman a chance to experience new vistas.

Within our life time we have passed the TELEPHONE, COMPUTER, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT stations and can see the sign arriving at SUPERINTELLIGENCE.

After all that we’re facing an unprecedented challenge: the speed of light. Over the next couple of decades our world will be making a quantum leap into a new environment. To survive this, if we can, we need to change our way of analysis. Throughout much of history many new designs have risen from examples of the old model. Automobiles are the best example. From my high school days 1930 Model A Ford coupe with four wheels outside, one inside and a powerplant under the hood to my current Lexus SUV, the fundaments have not changed, except for the price. I paid $75 for the Model A, including the rumble seat and sold it two years later for $65. Also, the Lexus doesn’t have a rumble seat. Too bad, they were a heck of a lot of fun.

Superintelligence land demands accelerated, original work processes that start not with an update of the past, but with a level of creativity drawn from our collective subconscious. Therein we’ll find clues to mankind’s experience: knowledge of meaning, of what works and what doesn’t, at the most primal level.

Basically, analysis must move out of a single venue focus and simultaneously apply examples and questions from other phenomena. Specifically, I’m thinking of the confluence of human and organization connections. Yet, I see offerings from leading consultancies that focus on the changes in institutions which are already upon us. They’re stuck in the past not recognizing that new organizational processes and systems will most certainly affect the people within. In short, I am calling for combined, integrated, human/organizational analysis.

I have developed such a research model, but I remember Moses bringing his people out of Egypt. At 120 years he didn’t live to see the Promised Land. At only 93+, what chance do I have?

Good luck everyone.