Humanity has never been wealthier, in monetary and material terms, as in the present. Global incomes are higher than before and individuals now possess more material wealth since the beginning of recorded history. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and polarized views are at their peak, leading to a world wrought with Brittleness, Anxiety, Non-linearity, and Incomprehension. The shift from ‘collective’ to ‘individual’ from ‘well-being’ to ‘growth’, requires exploitative and division methods which now rule our economies. The fragility of such systems is becoming increasingly evident with each passing year of war and extreme weather events. The Global outcry against neoliberal market-driven policies that have created deeper inequalities than ever before, is loud and clear. Deeply intertwined with this loss of social cohesion, is the loss of connect to nature and accountability for the Earth’s resources. As communities grow apart, their ability to nurture ‘commons’ like the forests, waters and other ecosystems, diminish. This chapter studies the historic reasons that have led us to the present age of the Anthropocene. Where and how did such short-term thinking come about? What lessons of the past do we need to remember to ensure a healthy and vibrant future for the next generation? What are some models of growth, or indeed degrowth, that need to be considered, if we are to thrive as humanity and as a race? Finally, how does Compassion lead to a more equitable and a happy world? These are some of the questions that the authors attempt to answer here.