A New Ecomorality

Speech delivered in Xiang, China on October 11, 2007 during the Conference “Values for Development”.

Critique of Traditional Approaches to Sustainable Development: The text criticizes past approaches as overly reliant on economic quantification, focusing primarily on material aspects and neglecting non-material values. It points out the limitations of market-based valuation (willingness to pay) and the treatment of environmental concerns as secondary to economic growth, rather than a foundational element.
The Need for a “New Ecomorality”: The author proposes a “new ecomorality” to address the shortcomings of previous approaches. This involves unifying seemingly opposing concepts: material and non-material values; individualism and collectivism; local, national, and global perspectives; cultural diversity and universality.
Key Questions for Reflection: The author poses several crucial questions to guide the discussion, including:
- Are we at a turning point in humanity’s relationship with the environment?
- Do we possess the collective consciousness and coherence to effect this change?
- Are we reaching the limits of material economic growth, and what hidden resources (human factor, technology, consciousness) can facilitate a shift toward qualitative growth?
- Why is there a disconnect between understanding sustainable development principles and enacting them?
Emphasis on Self-Realization and Action: The author stresses that values are not abstract concepts but states of being, requiring self-realization and action. Concepts like cooperation and respect for nature must be embodied in practice, not just advocated for.
The Importance of Collective Action: The text highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the need for collective action. The author uses the example of China’s pursuit of harmonious life as a model for global interdependence, emphasizing that a harmonious world requires the participation of all nations.

Institutional Reform: Current institutions and organizational systems lag behind the needed transformation towards a new ecomorality. New structures are required to anchor values and development.
Collective Wealth Creation and Distribution: Individualistic societies cannot thrive while neglecting collective wealth creation and equitable distribution. A collective approach is crucial for societal progress.
Mainstreaming Values in Public Policy: Public policy cannot be value-neutral; ethical, moral, spiritual, and human values must be integrated into policy-making at all levels.
The 200% Society: A truly sustainable society requires both material and spiritual richness (“200% Society”). Material progress without human and spiritual development is unsustainable.
Consciousness over Technology: The focus should be on the consciousness of those using technology, not just the technology itself. The ethical use of advancements is paramount.
Ecomorality’s Foundation: A new ecomorality should be based on the understanding that destroying nature harms both material existence and individual transformation. It should also be rooted in humanistic and spiritual laws emphasizing interdependence.
Interdependence: Humanity, all living beings, and nature are interdependent. Nature’s intelligence should be respected, not exploited.
Inner and Outer Harmony: Individual self-realization and environmental sustainability are interconnected. Addressing “inner warming” is crucial alongside tackling climate change.
Collective Values over Individualism: Collective values are emphasized, particularly learning from collectivist societies like China, but within a global collective framework that respects individual identities.
Global Collective Identity: A global collective requires members to be able to become “the other” without losing their own identity. Globalization without values is a dangerous path.
Detoxifying Society: Addressing societal toxicity (violence, bad communication, negativity) is vital, particularly focusing on children’s well-being to foster healthy minds and emotions.
A World Without Borders: Future discussions must address values, development, and sustainable civilization in a world without national borders, emphasizing democratic principles and human self-realization on a global scale.

Global Vision: A sustainable civilization requires a shared global vision for humanity’s future, extending beyond national or regional interests.
Effective Collective Networks: Building and utilizing efficient collective networks for communication and mobilization is crucial (China cited as an example).
New Basis for Learning: Education must shift from focusing solely on “having,” “doing,” and “knowing” to emphasizing “being” and “becoming,” fostering societal strength through identity and values.
Prioritizing Life: Economic growth and material wealth must serve humanity, not the other way around; current consumption-driven systems are likened to slavery.
Investment in Human and Spiritual Capital: Significant investment in human and spiritual development is needed, far exceeding current allocations to physical and financial capital.
Managing Global Heritage: Effective management of shared global resources (knowledge, culture, nature) is essential, requiring new international institutions.
Social Revolution: A global social revolution focused on sharing resources is necessary, building upon existing production and consumption capabilities.
New Governance: New forms of global governance are needed to support sustainability.
Respect for Rights: Respect for human rights, collective rights, and ecological rights is paramount, including the right to a clean environment.
Inner Capacity: The ultimate condition for a sustainable civilization is humanity’s inherent capacity for change; material wealth is not the primary solution.