Are You Part of World 2.0?
I’ve had the term “World 2.0″ on my mind for a few days. Yesterday, I googled it . There were a few articles using the phrase but it doesn’t seem like there was a widely accepted definition for the term. Therefore, I am going to use it to describe what I have been observing in the world.
To me, World 1.0, was the evolution of civilization up through the latter half on the 1900s. World 1.0 was defined by civilization’s urge to grow beyond day-to-day survival. Granted, this wasn’t a goal that all of civilization agreed upon and set in stone. But if you look over history you will see that this was a significant factor driving civilization. As an aggressively growth-oriented civilization (western civilization especially) we have been looking forward for a long time now, racing to get to the finish line – to get to our unspoken goal. Currently in western civilization people rarely, if ever, die from starvation or exposure to the elements. In this way, the leading edge of civilization has reached the goal – we have gone beyond day-to-day survival.
So what then is World 2.0?
First off, World 2.0 is about realizing and deeply internalizing that we (especially westerners) have gone beyond day-to-day survival, that we have crossed this finish line. (Close your eyes, take a deep breath, slowly exhale… and read that line again). Seriously, take a second to really feel this and realize it. Yes, you worry about your finances or getting a bigger house… but you’re not concerned about having enough food for the winter or dying of malaria. Appreciate this moment that all of our ancestors collectively achieved. It is amazing.
World 2.0 is about appreciating this moment, and then turning around for the first time to look back at the millions of people still running the race. It is about looking around to see what we have created while our heads were down and we were driving forward. It is about looking inside and asking the hard questions about what we see, what we have created, and what we have left behind.
World 2.0 is about refining what it means to be a human within civilization and nature once basic needs are met.
World 2.0 is here and there is an open invitation to be a part of it. No need to RSVP. Just show up.
Ben – you are legendary. I had never heard of World 2.0 – but Web 2.0 is entering our world faster than one wants to believe as wel. Actually, like World 1.0 it was very much one way – much like “old media”. Now we have arrived at Web 2.0 and World 2.0 – to me it is all about “getting involved, “finding your voice” and “interaction”. Creative Collaboration is what we now enjoy about both World 2.0 and Web 2.0. It is not about “me” – it is about “us”. There are TWO (2.0) or more of us that can enjoy life and “the web” by collaborating. We may even solve many of the challenges and issues that we as human’s create too….see you at the party!!
WE have showed up!
Hi Ben
As usual interetsting stuff. You may be interested in a book by Dan Pink called Drive. It is about motivation and how we have moved from Motivation 1.0 the drive to survive to Motivation 2.0 which is based on compliance – carrot and stick. With ‘if then’ rewards i.e. if you do this then you will get that. His view is that we are moving into a new phase Motivation 3.0 were its about self-direction. Re-discovering the artisan in us all – the desire for autonomy (based on interdepence rather than independence), mastery (as a journey not a goal) and Purpose. The link below gives a potted version from last year’s TED conference.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dan_pink_on_motivation.html
People in the arts have always been prepared to forego the perceived stability/security Motivation 2.0 offered. However, for many people recent economic events have shaken that stability /security. And, as you say, the World has moved on – people want to take back control and go beyond the World 1.0 of physical and psyhological survival. New technology (as this conversation demonstrates) makes possible a completely new paradigm of engagement – allowing the potential creativity, that is so lacking in many peoples’ lives, to be released. A return to the artisan worker.
The music industry is an interesting model. Motivation 2.0 would be – get the deal (big carrot) but then be commited to several albums and tours, as dictated by label management (stick).The ability to create/record, self-manage, promote is now relatively easy. The future is Motivation 3.0 – I release stuff I believe in and tour – to a perhaps smaller, but more enthusiastic audience – as appropriate. Its a cottage industry.
If you are interested, my blog is http://thebeyondconsultancy.blogspot.com
Cheers
Chris
I feel encouraged by what I perceive as a groundswell of positive, creative motivation happening in the world. Lots of people are realizing that by being vigorously ourselves and creating each from her individual core, we can create the world we want. So much evidence surrounds us of what the status quo can do, World 2.0 seems inevitable.
Thank you for your post!
Peter
Hey Ben, thanks for bringing this up for discussion. We are indeed fortunate to live in World 2.0, many people on the planet are not even close. Because of this I feel it is an opportunity and a responsibility to be all that we can, to live to our fullest potential, whatever that means for us individually. Hopefully somewhere in there it means lessening the suffering of those still in World 1.0. More than anything it means appreciating the luxury of having all of our basic needs met, and not wasting that remarkable gift.
Greg~ As always, good to ‘hear’ from you. Excellent point – World 2.0 is about “us” and being involved in the way that works for you. No more hiding, come on out and play. I’d add that it is about “us” and each of us coming from a grounded and balanced place.
Chris B~ You’ve been hiding your blog from me! Great to read it. Thanks for sharing. Interesting you mention “Drive” because I’m getting a copy of it from a friend this week. I look forward to reading it and will report back. I agree with the points you laid out though.
Peter~ Nice to meet you! I agree that you can see it all around us and the internet is a big part of it.
Liz~ Thanks for writing. Nice to meet you as well. Agreed that we should not waste this gift. Just because we are comfortable doesn’t mean there isn’t a whole lot more fun we could be having creating solutions together.
THANKS EVERYONE FOR WRITING IN!!
Ben, In response to the third paragraph from the bottom of your most interesting thoughts visit http://www.renovationary1.com/ Here is one idea on how to bring those people struggling in 1.0 closer to 2.0. Those of us fortunate enough not to have to worry about a roof over our heads are obliged to use our best to help the people who face lives with no shelter. I’d love to hear what you think of Kierk’s concept.
Ben, awesome post. I have been saying that those of us who are in what you have called World 2.0 are at Mazlow’s self-actualization. We have the opportunity to help shape the future of the world.
Leni~ I like Kierk’s idea. I’ve seen those pods put to good use as shops and work spaces but never as homes. Let me know if that ever gets put to use. I’d love to see the photos.
Karen~ Nice to meet you. Thanks for your thoughts!
Ben–
i always knew you were a huge Justin Beiber fan (new album: my world 2.0). or maybe it’s the other way around. you guys have similar hair.
great ideas, as always. you talk about appreciating the moment, which i agree is key. i wonder about world 2.0 and the inherent quest for world 3.0. are we ever really satisfied in our current place/state of mind? it seems like any recognition that we have arrived or succeeded, implies that we will start looking for whatever is next. maybe IBM can make make my brain faster. it’s a crazy time.
now let’s get out there and make some money!!!
love this blog.
Panda
Panda~ I agree with your comment about whether we are satisfied with our current place/state of mind. Part of what I see in the world is a growing awareness of appreciating the moment in the face of non-stop change and increasing speed. It’s hard to do in business, but we’re trying.
Thanks for popping by!