Human Dignity and Ecological Identity: A Case by Norman Michael Kearney

There are human dignity factors at work in our lives. Many are social and psychological. They are powerful and subtle. What values and actions individuals identify with are often key determinants of outcomes. Identity is about a sense of self, as well as loyalty to things, ideas, and actions. Identity is typically a subconscious process Yet, it has huge implications when manifested through behavior, especially collective behavior. In this chapter, I aim to shed light on two such forces that, I believe, threaten the dignity and sustainability of all human and non-human life on Earth. I also hope to show a way out of this deadly situation, considering text and methods in all preceding chapters in Parts I and II. One of these forces is all around us, while the other is in our subconscious. The first force is competition for wealth and power. The second force is our fear of death and need for meaning. Together, I will argue that these forces constitute a self-reinforcing and ever-expanding dynamic of consumption and competition that will lead us to ruin if we do not recognize them and cope constructively. To escape this situation, we will have to redesign our economic and political institutions to promote cooperation. For the willingness to do so, it will be necessary to cultivate an ecological identity—a cognitive, affective, and experiential relatedness with human and non-human beings. I would like to thank Dr. Atif Kubursi for encouraging me to explore these ideas over the years as a consummate friend and mentor.