Cultural Challenge

AB:

So my individual choices contribute to the fabric of culture, while the sum total of individual choices can in turn direct future human behaviors and the course of social evolution. But what can we learn from Rome? Or are we doomed? Also, give me a practical application of your theory today?

WalterB:

My argument is that people usually DO NOT make the voluntary decisions they allege. Most behavior is, in fact, culturally determined (programmed). So, it is the culture which determines the future. To the extent that behavior is social, it is also unconsciously self-reinforcing.

Your description - individual choices people make - ignores the mechanism by which the choices are made. People can make other choices, but that requires thought. The only ways outcomes can be changed are (1) by conscious human  decision which alters cultural assumptions and (2) chaos intervenes.

I am almost done with Kevin Phillips' American Theocracy, which analogizes the US to the British, Dutch, Spanish and Roman Empires - as do I in GSQ and elsewhere. What we learn from all those examples, according to an increasing number of thinkers and writers, including myself, is "la Comedia et finis" (Rigoletto).

I discussed all this in GSQ.

Correction: I should have paraphrased Rigoletto, thus: "La commedia sta finendo."

AB:

But what makes up culture, and how is your theory applicable today for those who are not sheep? Clearly the internet is a major driving force today behind culture as well as major political decisions. I already have the book.

WalterB:

I made it pretty clear in GSQ that culture is 'beliefs, habits and rituals.' I have explicated the notion in various articles posted to my website.

Culture applies to everyone, whether or not anyone is a sheep. It applies in the same way that Darwinian evolution applies.

I don't think the Internet is a driving cultural force, although it is a small factor in the US. What is a driving "force" is the millions of people who believe the inerrancy of the Bible, and the Muslims willing to commit suicide. It is the millions who do the same thing every day, as instructed by their parents, teachers, bosses, etc. Culture is demonstrated in those who don't change their behavior.

But I repeat myself. The evidence for all this is 'hidden right in front of your eyes,' to use one of Stephen J Gould's favorite phrases.

For those able to transcend culture, decisions can be made which alter the culture. Of course, whether or not that works depends upon how the local culture works. For example, about 80% of the US population maintain "spiritual" beliefs which are totally unfounded.  To change the US, most people will have to educate themselves and give up mysticism.

Of course, that's commonly said to be impossible. But, consider that most First World people, even very backward religious ones, don't believe the sort of nonsense that passed as "common sense" just a few hundred years ago.