I would like to propose that the concept of “conscious evolution” be taken seriously. The concept emerged in the “spiritualist” community hearkening back to Pierre Tielhard de Jardin and perhaps through to Henri Bergson’s “creative evolution.” Alongside most spiritual and/or “metaphysical” notions, it is largely dismissed by more serious thinkers as at best “just words” and at worst, a dangerously fuzzy headed distraction from reality.
I propose an alternative view. Firstly that the concept identifies a real phenomenon in the world. Secondly, that this phenomenon is actionable and important. Thirdly, that this phenomenon might in fact be the most important place for us to focus our energies.
The two phenomena of “consciousness” and “evolution” are, in themselves, notoriously difficult to get our arms around. Conjoining them into a single idea seems doomed to confusion. Fortunately, we don’t have to make a strong claim as to the fundamentals of either consciousness or evolution to carve out a meaning for Conscious Evolution.
There are three different facets of the concept:
These three aspects combined are what is implied in the concept of “conscious evolution” and it is their intense overlap that is at the very center of the concept.