Operating under the assumptions that human beings, by nature, are cooperative and not competitive, and that there are spiritual sources of power that can unleash the latent capacities of individuals towards contributing to the advancement of civilization, the model of contest for social structures is ineffective. Instead, what are other models of social organization that are just, sustainable, and empower humanity to take charge of its destiny?
We, again, arrive at the analogy of the human body. Human society is a single body – composed of diverse yet organically unified cells, dynamic in its function, and in which the well-being of every part is inextricably linked to the well-being of the whole (and likewise, the well-being of each part can only be had through seeking the well-being of the whole). How does the human body exhibit power? Movement is achieved when the muscles exert force onto the skeletal structure, while in harmony with a relaxed counter-muscle, and in concert with the directives of the nervous system. There are multiple entities, all working together and for the same goal, that allows power to manifest – it cannot be accomplished without the cooperation of all parts, and surely not if some parts are in competition with others. Organic bodies are characterized by having properties that only emerge on the level of the whole, that do not exist at the level of any parts.
With this understanding, power is an expression of unity – an emergent property of our organic social body that is manifest when the relationship between individuals and institutions is marked by harmony, cooperation, integration, and interdependence. Power ultimately resides in the individual members of the social body (muscles), but the capacity to release this power rests with the institutions of society (nervous system) – the creative powers of humanity will never manifest to their fullest without a true harmony, trust, and common vision between these two. Social structures, as trustees of collective well-being, must learn to guide, coordinate, and tap into the capacities and powers of all people in pursuit of collective goals. And individuals must align their initiatives with this guidance and vision. Only then will we have the makings of a healthy social neuromuscular junction.
achieving coherence 
2 replies on “Neuromuscular Power”
One notion that is beautiful in this post is that each cell in the body has its function. And I imagine that the cells feel at home in their own function. I think that this model of society will allow people to feel safer doing what they were born to do as a contribution to the whole body of life. Just like the liver cells (i imagine) don’t feel jealous of the heart cells and the heart cells don’t feel superior to the liver cells, the members of a society that has fully embraced this world view would feel comfortable doing what comes naturally to them without feeling like there is more dignity or value in doing anything other than what they are doing.
Jake, thank you so much for these thoughts! Your words capture this, indeed, beautiful aspect of universal participation – that it springs naturally from humanity’s oneness and is an expression of the nobility of all.