energy-communications-regimes
The chapter links qualitative changes in energy harnessing and communication methods to shifts in human consciousness and social organization.
2 chapters across 2 books
Biosphere Politics (2009)Jeremy Rifkin
This chapter explores how shifts in human consciousness are deeply intertwined with changes in energy regimes and communication technologies, which in turn reshape social organization and our perception of reality. It traces the evolution of consciousness from oral mythological cultures to electronic psychological cultures, emphasizing how narrative and dialogue foster empathy by enabling individuals to understand others' perspectives and develop self-awareness. The chapter argues that storytelling is fundamental to socialization, identity formation, and conflict resolution, ultimately expanding the empathic domain within civilization.
Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis (2009)Jeremy Rifkin
This chapter explores the evolution of human consciousness as intertwined with shifts in energy regimes and communication technologies, highlighting how each stage—from oral to electronic cultures—reshapes perception, social organization, and empathy. It emphasizes the role of narrative and dialogue in developing self-awareness, socialization, and empathic engagement, illustrating how storytelling is foundational to human connection and the expansion of the empathetic domain. The chapter also discusses how expanding communication networks have progressively shrunk the boundary between 'we' and 'others,' fostering a global consciousness despite the growing entropic challenges.