“The real problem of humanity is the following: we have paleolithic emotions; medieval institutions; and god-like technology.” E. O. Wilson
“人類真正的問題是,我們擁有舊石器時代的情感;中世紀的製度;以及神一般的技術。”
The emotional systems of our brains (fear, belonging, jealousy, sensitivity to status) primarily formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, helping us survive in small tribes.
Includes
Tribal preference (instinctive vigilance towards outsiders)
Status anxiety (the need to gain recognition within the group)
Desire for short-term rewards (high sensitivity to immediate gratification)
Impulse for violence (fight first, talk later when facing threats)
Group conformity pressure (herd mentality)
Competitive possessiveness over sexual resources
Intense fear of loss
Emotional contagion (collective emotional loss of control)
Parental instinct (unconditional favoritism towards offspring)
“Scale”
Genetic prevalence: Shared by over 99% of humans
Scope of influence: All personal relationships and decisions
Contemporary amplifiers: Social media, algorithmic recommendations, speed of dissemination
Based on your emotional analysis, without considering feasibility, each must be abandoned one by one until the last one. Provide the abandonment order, stating what to abandon first and what last, with reasons.
Zigong asked about government. The Master said, “Sufficiency of food, sufficiency of military equipment, and the confidence of the people in their ruler.” Zigong said, “If it cannot be helped, and one of these three must be dispensed with, which of them should be foregone first?” “The military equipment,” said the Master. Zigong again asked, “If it cannot be helped, and one of the remaining two must be dispensed with, which of them should be foregone first?” “Food,” said the Master. “From of old, death has been the lot of all men; but if the people have no faith in their rulers, there is no standing for the state.”
Si said: “Human sentiments and instincts, born in ancient times, sometimes foster harmony within the group, and sometimes disrupt human relations. If one must discard them, what should be prioritized?”
Zi said: “First, discard violent impulses. These impulses destroy others’ bodies and ruin one’s own path; nothing is more detrimental.”
Si said: “Having discarded one, among the others, what should be prioritized?”
Zi said: “Next, discard tribal biases. These biases cause one to view those who are different as enemies, leading to discord among one’s own kind.”
Si said: “If yet another must be discarded, what should be prioritized?”
Zi said: “Then, discard the possessive desire for sexual resources. This possessiveness is a deep poison of emotion, turning love into a form of confinement and causing unrest in the heart.”
Si said: “If one must inevitably discard all, what then should not be abandoned?”
Zi said: “The affection between parent and child is fundamental to life itself. Without this love, humans would be no different from beasts.”