CHOICE CONSCIOUSNESS
The choices we make today are arguably more important than any choices made by humans ever. They have import to our independence and control over our bodies, minds and lives in the future, and to what level of influence (read manipulation) and from whom, we accept in our future choices. Let’s not choose away the ability to choose.
As consumers…
we need to choose carefully the products and services we let into our homes and personal spaces. What philosophical future are we tacitly accepting when we press buy or accept? Do we understand and accept the trade-offs for the efficiency, health, or pleasure benefits we are receiving? What part of our (and our children’s) personal integrity, freedom, and opportunity might we be sacrificing? Who might we be giving power and influence to, and do we understand and trust their intentions?
As EMPLOYEES / LEADERS…
we need to choose / create companies, and play our part in developing strategies, not simply centred on short-term profit maximisation. Do we have a purpose for our enterprises that has longevity? Can we design products and services with a consciousness of how they might evolve in the future and the implications for customers, society, humanity, and our planet? Are we ensuring transparency in what we do and how we operate so consumers and governments trust and support our endeavours, to prevent reputational damage and knee-jerk regulatory slamming? Are we visioning and building new employment and education models to address future talent needs and employee displacement challenges?
As Shareholders…
we need to choose investments that support a vision for the future that we are comfortable with. Let’s choose not to amass a fortune for our children partially to inherit, if we sacrifice their ability independently to thrive at the same time.
As VOTERS…
we need to choose representatives who understand the challenges of the future and develop visionary policies not simply based on political assumptions suited to an earlier age. Are the politicians we choose understanding and monitoring info- and bio- tech advances and developing policies for the ethical choices they may raise? Do they prioritise public and private sector transparency with regard to information and privacy issues? Are they developing education and social policies to address the dramatic shift to be faced by the digital displacement of existing jobs and industries? How committed are they to addressing the reality of climate change and its consequences for our children? Are they developing their manifesto for millennials, or just bolstering the boomers?
