Spirituality and Human Ecosystems

Abstract

The chapter introduces a model of environmental relations called “man-environment-organism” (M-E-O). Today the high energy-input allopoetic systems (fuel- or nuclear energy-based economy, global monetary mechanisms) are dominant and produce destructive effects on solar energy-based autopoetic systems and on the social and cultural systems attached to them. The interrelationship between the features of M-E-O systems and the determinants of shaping social behavior of humans can be explored. The influences of M-E-O on birth practices and mother-child attachment patterns are crucial. The distorted attachment systems generate behavior patterns that enhance insensitive and irresponsible economic behavior, which fuels the high energy-input M-E-O systems. High energy-based allopoetic systems produce a detached attitude toward the environment and favor self-centered economic rationality with diminished empathy toward others. Systems of low energy-based traditional man-environment-organism nurture spiritual attitudes toward the world.