How Can Chaos Theory Help Us toward the Emergence of a New Civilization?

Abstract

The human world as a system has become chaotic due to rapid population growth and ever-increasing connectivity among people. This has led to a number of systemic crises such as the ecological, financial, and societal crises. Conventional wisdom and Newtonian approaches to these problems are inadequate for understanding the new chaotic world. It is imperative that we develop a new theoretical approach to better decipher today’s reality. Chaos theory indicates that human civilization may either be on the brink of a huge collapse or the formation of a whole new civilization. This article aims to explore why the world became chaotic and how we can contribute to either a “clash of civilizations” or, instead, the “shock of a new civilization.” The findings can contribute to understanding and action to promote the emergence of a new, more complex and more harmonious civilization.