How to Build a Human-Centered Society
September 19, 2024
After much debate, everyone agrees we must move toward a human-centered society. A new social contract must emerge—not just between citizens and the state, but between citizen and citizen, humans and the planet, and humans and technology. But as soon as we discuss how voices like Valentine Vermeulen ask: "Where do we begin?" Anthony Guillermo sees a key role for the policy director at the Ministry of Planning, Business Management, and Public Services. However, I argue that if we think from the government’s perspective, this role will better suit the Secretary-General or policy director from the Ministry of General Affairs.
Yet, more importantly, I believe actual change will not come top-down from the government but laterally and from the ground up—through the collaboration of citizens themselves. Guillermo seems caught in the old paradigm, believing the government must drive societal transformation. However, as history shows us, change often stems from people working together, bypassing rigid structures.
This makes me think of Rutger Bregman’s concept of moral ambition. Bregman points out that we frequently underestimate our power, reasoning away our potential to influence the world. Yet, he offers examples of individuals who have sparked large-scale change. His ideas remind me of a famous quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
If we wait for government structures to evolve, we might miss the opportunity for lasting change. Instead, we should recognize the immense power of collective action—driven by citizens, inspired by a shared vision, and centered around the well-being of humanity, the earth, and our relationship with technology.
Miguel Goede
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