THE THREE EPOCHS OF HUMAN HISTORY

Human history can be divided into 3 distinct but overlapping epochs. Though these epochs followed a chronological sequence, the distinct mindsets that characterized these epochs are, in fact, co-existing today.  In any part of the world, we see people having their foundational beliefs determined by these 3 basic flavors.  There-in lies the key to the seemingly irreducible differences and inevitable conflicts among all peoples, whether they appear outwardly as national, political, cultural, philosophical, religious or racial differences.

These epochs are:

(1) The epoch of tradition and religion (before AD 1750). The masses looked for guidance from the ancients and the supernatural; under the guise of traditional conservatism, religious authoritarianism or totalitarian absolutism.  This epoch was dominated by unchangeable ideologies that imposed rather than bestowed power to the masses. 


(2) The epoch of the Enlightenment spirit (1750 - 1900).  The intellectual zeitgeist was infused with the cultural values of universalism, rationalism, secularism, science and human progress, liberalism and democracy.  Truth was founded on empirical observation and rational reflection; to be followed by wise action.  Darkness was thought to be the result of a self-imposed intellectual immaturity caused by a lack of resolve and courage to use our own understanding without guidance from others.

There was a basic belief in intellectual freedom which was essential for attaining autonomy of thought and having a sense of moral responsibility for one's own actions.  Education was treasured for its capacity to teach the skills of knowing (knowledge), thinking (reason), choosing (courage) and doing (resolution).

The Enlightenment spirit encompassed deep faith in the perfectibility of Man; a celebration of life in the here and now, instead of the afterlife; a liberation of our minds from ignorance and superstition through reason and experience; and a belief in the inter-connectedness of all existence under the grand scheme of a benevolent Nature.


(3)  Epoch of post-modern relativism and narcissism (after 1900).  Full-blown application of the democratic fallacy had given rise to intellectual confusion, social anarchy and cultural disharmony.  This fashionable mindset of Romantic subjectivism and rebellious irrationalism was a direct oppositional response to the perceived oppressive dominance of reason and reductivism of the preceding era.
Despite claiming no adherence to any ideology; in fact, this movement imposes an ideology of nihilism with a tentative and uncertain approach to life.  In short, anything goes!

Out of these 3 compartments, where does your mind belong?