Alexander the Great said, “If all were of one mind, the cosmos would stand still.” I believe he was encouraging evolution through doubt, disagreement, and questioning, and not predicting the degree of specialization so prevalent in (it seems) every industry and corridor of today’s Society; a specialization that makes it appear we are all as far away from ‘one mind’ as is possible. I believe this appearance to be deceiving and I will come back to this point toward the end of the post, but first I want to consider specialization by looking at some examples.

Today many of us find it difficult (if not impossible) to see the bigger picture because we are so overwhelmed by the demands of our individual responsibilities. I don’t believe this aids in our overall learning and growth as intended, though it does (in many cases) add to the quantity of knowledge and/or output. An example: a trip to an orthopedic group 2 to 3 years ago resulted in a neck specialist noting a bulging disc ‘not bad enough to warrant invasive procedures’ so a nerve specialist was consulted who did not see ‘serious’ nerve issues but did say the MRI showed a ‘slight’ tear in the rotator cuff, resulting in a visit to the shoulder specialist who said the tear was not deserving of surgery at this time and recommended a physical therapist. Finally the physical therapist was able to see the connection from neck to shoulders to arm pain (which I could see in the mirror) and recommended specific exercises to alleviate the melding pain from these various ‘not-so-serious’ ailments. The exercise helped, but what is fascinating to me is that these three educated, intelligent doctors apparently could not see (or refused to look and/or communicate) beyond their specific area of expertise. Each ailment exacerbated each other ailment and it took me weeks into months (and who knows how many dollars) to adequately understand this.

I could give examples from business as well. I have seen many variants of Operations people tripping over Human Resources who were battling Training and Development who did not understand Research and Marketing who looked down on the Sales force who felt they weren’t supported by Operations… and on and on it goes. And the saddest part is that frequently everyone is right – from their unique, specific point of view.

Another example: a recent perusal of a major state university’s web site revealed “More Than 280 Degree Programs” offered. From Turfgrass Management to Peace Studies to Urban Forestry to Family and Lifespan Development, it is another indication of the funnel effect on individual learning and growth. Don’t get me wrong; the subject matter of these majors is relevant (we should all pursue a degree in Peace Studies), but the question remains – is this degree of specialization also restrictive? Does it keep us from doubting and questioning, and does it prevent a balancing of the technological, empirical, knowledge-based aspects of our evolution? A balancing perhaps better served by a broader, big-picture perspective that addresses transcendental truths (unknowable certainties) and spirituality (unknowable uncertainties). If you have been following recent thought, you know I am not advocating organized religion; I am advocating individual growth through uncertainty and balance.

We are not at all far away from ‘one’ mind. The depth of expertise and specialization fools us into believing we are each independent and autonomous, yet if we look closely, we see that in many ever-increasing ways we have each simply become a single neuron in a single mind of humanity that reflects our culture’s narcissism and illusion of happiness. We are too close to ‘one mind’ for comfort as this ‘Way’ will only lead to stagnation, catatonia, and a slow, smelly rotting from within. Again, I am advocating individual growth through individual uncertainty and individual balance, which in turn will inspire a dynamic, contentious productivity that will advance the whole. When we do not (on our own) find this mutually beneficial, communal harmony – when an individual or collective imbalance becomes cumbersome – I believe that balance finds us.