Someone asked us to state the most expansive idea of collective wisdom that we have. So here it goes - it’s a bit of a marketing pitch, but we promise not to pitch you very often….
Look, we know you're smart. You probably aced at least one philosophy class back in the day. But face it,those theories on 'the good life' are as useful as a typewriter when confronting today's global messes -- right? Climate chaos, rising inequality, toxic online debates...these call for an entirely new breed of wisdom. And that's where Socratus comes in. Consider us your friendly neighborhood wisdom evokers. The Anthropocene makes one thing clear: what's inside our heads and what's going on in the world are deeply intertwined.
The fate of the planet demands we ask: Where else can we find wisdom besides those old lecture halls? What if the elephant, navigating complex social bonds, has something to teach us about mending our own divided communities? Maybe even the humble forest -- whispering of interdependence and regeneration -- holds solutions we haven't even started to grasp. In this era, wisdom doesn't solely emanate from humans but from a vast array of Earth's inhabitants. We argue for expanding the philosophical circle to include non-human perspectives, such as those of apes, elephants, and even trees. This inclusivity enriches our understanding of the planet, challenging anthropocentric biases and urging us to appreciate the intrinsic value of all life.
This isn't about going soft and squishy. We're all for science -- but wisdom isn't the same as raw data. It's about seeing the big picture, connecting the dots, and understanding how to actually live (and flourish!) despite mounting challenges. That wisdom may come from an Adivasi leader protecting their forests, or a municipal councilor with a gut instinct those spreadsheet formulas don't recognize. It's time to expand our circle of 'experts.' Socratus isn't content to just theorize. You'll also find us in villages and cities, elbow-deep in real-world efforts. From working with climate champions, to designing systems that genuinely make lives better for the ignored--we're interested in 'philosophy in action'.
"Talking trees" and "elephant philosophers" sounds a bit out there, doesn't it? But before you dismiss us, ask yourself: Is being the species obsessed with its own intelligence working out for us? Aren't we missing something? Nature -- which figured out how to run this planet long before we arrived -- might just offer a masterclass in how to survive... maybe even thrive... amidst rapid change. The evolution of societal structures and technology has revolutionized our capacity to form collectives and apprehend the world around us. Startups and other collaborative endeavors, powered by computation, offer new pathways for collective understanding, enabling a diverse integration of perspectives in tackling global challenges.
Socratus's mission is deeply intertwined with these philosophical inquiries, striving to evoke collective wisdom in addressing the complexities of our age. Our work spans various initiatives, from fostering sustainable communities to integrating climate grammar into societal development. We envision a society where ecosystems of organizations and individuals collaboratively address wicked problems. Our efforts in Odisha, for example, demonstrate the potential of localized, ecosystem-based approaches to economic and ecological sustainability.
As we continue to explore and refine our understanding of collective wisdom, Socratus remains dedicated to fostering spaces where trust, empathy, justice and insight drive societal progress. In summary, Socratus stands for redefining philosophy's role in the modern world, championing a collective approach to wisdom that embraces the complexities of the Anthropocene.
The Messenger will be back after a couple of weeks.