The roots of evil and the evolution of consciousness

Can traditional evolutionary theory account for the emergence of new species? The traditional answer is that random mutations can either improve the fitness of the organism, or reduce it. The mutations that improve fitness are integrated into the genetic code. This makes sense for small adjustments like skin colour or fur density. When it comes to very complex biological systems with multi-stage biochemical processes it is challenging to understand how single random mutations can improve performance unless the number of trial and error attempts is very large. Each of the proteins that are part of these pathways has to undergo an adaptation process. The traditional answer is that evolution takes time over aeons and therefore there is enough time for such adjustment to take place. This does not hold up to mathematical scrutiny. Given the vast number of biological mechanisms in the body, and the interactions between different systems, there is just not enough time to allow for random mutations to create a fully functioning organism.

The only reasonable explanation is that somehow evolution is evolving towards something. A teleological process with an end in mind. This can arise in various forms. One approach is that when an organism is formed,its goals drive the evolutionary process of its components. A synergetic systemic effect takes over the direction of the evolutionary process and drives it towards increasing the survival chances of the whole organism, and not just molecular subsystems. One can think of possible epigenetic mechanisms that can drive this top down approach to evolution.

I view consciousness as a fundamental property of the universe. There are two variations of this approach: Panpsychism and Proto-Panpsychism. Without going into the distinction between the two, both contend that consciousness is woven into the fabric of the universe. In my mind, integrating that with evolution resolves many of the challenges we are facing. I call this new approach Co-Evolution: adual process that combines the local adaptations that uses random mutation to improve the fitness of the organism, and a teleological with universal consciousness as its goal. Look at it like driving a car following the instructions of the SatNav system. The system tells you where to turn and how to get to your destination. The driver steers the wheel making sure the car stays on the road, stops and traffic lights and does not drive into other cars. Traditional evolution is like the driver: responding to the environment it makes small adjustments to improve the fitness of the organism to the environment. The teleological process of growing into universal consciousness is the SatNav, showing the way, and where to turn in the right direction.

Mystics report that when experiencing ecstasy they are part of the one unity of nature. That there is an underlying unity of consciousness about the universe. Evolution is the process that yanks life out of inanimate matter, and eventually develops proto-consciousness, that evolves into consciousness. The evolved consciousness continues to develop and rise up the ranks of wholeness and complexity until eventually a universal consciousness arises.

Humans are an intermediate step in this process. Our consciousness has the capacity under certain conditions to touch the universal underlying field of consciousness that pervades the universe. We all have that capacity, if we choose to develop it.

The evil we see in the world is a by-product of the fact that our consciousness is not yet high enough the evolutionary ladder to feel the universal connection between all things. That separation creates loneliness in the human soul. That loneliness is the root of evil. It can manifest on a personal or on a group level.
Evil is a necessary byproduct of the ascendance of humanity towards universal consciousness. Our response to separation and evil is the fuel that drives us to expand our consciousness.

It is our personal choice whether we desire to develop our spiritual muscles and touch the universal connection, or whether we choose to limit ourselves to the rung of the ladder we are on. Whether we choose to immerse ourselves in short term pleasures that hide some of our suffering, and accept separation and its by-products as an immutable part of the human condition.

We have the freedom and the ability to choose differently and allow for the development of the possibilities innate in us and experience a connected world. In this time of climate change it is more important than ever to open ourselves to unity and become part of a common thrust by humanity to work together towards building a sustainable future. This is what evolution is really about.