human development
the mainstream understanding of human development is terrible, since it pretty much equates it social conditions enabled by economic growth. it doesn't capture any inner dimensions of development and misses what's often most important/sacred for individuals and cultures across the globe.
when we speak of human flourishing or introduce frameworks such as the inner development goals, we start to establish a better dialogue that doesn't need to cross into esoteric/metaphysical realms, but it still often doesn't get to the essence of it.
some postmodern thinkers and indigenous activists such as ailton krenak are critics of development, proposing involvement as an alternative. he brings fair points, however, fields such as developmental psychology and metamodern/integral studies show the extent to which development is still relevant/necessary.
the development in progress paper, for example, provides a detailed analysis of the modern/western narratives of progress/development and how they need to evolve to develop a mature, holistic understanding of the term. i.e. yes, there can be progress (a positive direction in which to move), but we need to be extremely mindful about what that "progress" really entails and what it is always both advantaging and deterring.
now, when it comes to this deeper understanding of human development, i have two favorite references:
which is very powerful yet accessible (it only requires some time investment to really understand the ins and outs of it).
- ken wilber's AQAL model, with some sprinkles of cosmoerotic humanism/unique self theory on top
this second one is a bit less accessible for someone with no philosophical background, but also very powerful and it can be a major stepping stone for an individual's awakening.
(to be continued...)