Industrial Era-View

Ecological Era-View

The goal of life is material progress.

The goal of life is to co-evolve both the material and spiritual aspects with harmony and balance.

Emphasis on conspicuous consumption - the "good life" is dependent upon having satisfying enough money to buy life’s pleasures and to avoid life’s discomforts.

Emphasis on conservation and frugality - using only as much as is needed; a life emerges with balanced development in cooperation with others.

Identity is defined by material possessions and social position.

Identity is revealed through our loving and creative participation in life.

The individual is defined by his or her body and is ultimately separate and alone.

The individual is both unique and an inseparable part of the larger universe; identity is not limited to our physical existence.

The universe is viewed as material and largely lifeless, it is natural that we who are living exploit the lifeless universe for our ends.

The universe is a living organism that is infused with a subtle life-force; it is important to act in ways that honor the preciousness and dignity of all life.

Emphasis on self-serving behavior (get as much for myself as I can while giving no and more than is required in return).

Emphasis on life-serving behavior (give as much of myself to life as I am able ask in return no more than I require).

Cutthroat competition prevails; compete with against others and strive to "make a killing".

Fair competition prevails; cooperate others and work to earn a living.

The mass media are dominated by commercial interests and are used aggressively to promote a high-consumption culture.

The mass media are used to promote A balanced diet of information and messages including the importance of ecological approaches to living.

Nations adopt a "lifeboat ethic" in global relations.

Nations adopt a "spaceship Earth ethic" in global relations.

The welfare of the whole is left to the workings of the free market and/or government bureaucracies.

Each person takes responsibility for the well-being of the world.

Emphasis on personal autonomy and mobility.

Emphasis on connectedness and community.