Cooperation and Adaptation

by Tim Brunson, PhD

The advance of civilizations requires the instigation of adaptive change within societies as they are forced to adjust to the pain of famine, natural calamities, and war, as well as to the exigencies of fortune. This may move them in a negative or positive direction. If the latter occurs, a review of history clearly shows that one central theme always dominates human – and that of any organism – accomplishment. That theme is "cooperation. " Indeed, the tendency for elements of a system to work in harmonious effort leads to undertakings that would be impossible – or at least highly improbable – for lone effort. This is true as proteins cooperate to allow cells to live, as cells with common purpose organize and become organs, as organs become aggregate bodies, as bodies become communities, and as communities become nations.

The propensity to work together does not assure positive outcomes. Even though there is a value in cooperative effort, there is also a not-so-hidden disadvantage as the resulting mediocrity has within it the seeds of obsolescence, death, and decay. Regardless, the superior intelligence made possible by the advanced frontal lobe gives humans a unique opportunity – at least to some extent – to use this natural tendency to direct adaptive efforts and shape the route of human evolution.

When elements – such as proteins, cells, or even people – organize together into a structured relationship, the ability to achieve a common purpose is assumed. This is clearly a synergy in that its potential is far greater than the sum of those of the individual elements. A function, which can be characterized by the various intensities – or variable weights – attributed to each element, becomes a pattern. The familiarity of this pattern soon becomes sacred as the original intention quickly becomes a subordinated after-thought. The routine – expected, and generally accepted – will defy the need to be flexible until changes in the environment demand that the system transform and adapt. This is required so that routine may remain somewhat in harmony with the systems to which it is enjoined to either accept input or provide feedback. Failure to harmonically adapt will result in disciplinary actions, such as rejection or excommunication.

Examples of this can be readily found in everyday life. A sixteenth century man who claimed that the new science of astronomy – resulting from the invention of the telescope – disproved the belief that the Sun revolves around the Earth is excommunicated by the Pope, and remains so until well into the twentieth century. A governmental agency, which is formed to address the energy shortage crisis of the early-to-mid 1970s, remains long after OPEC and the Arabs lifted their embargo. It merely changed its purpose to fit its structure. Hypnotists and psychologist continue to insist on using the term subconscious despite scientific research showing that all pattern components have both a consciousness and intelligence. And the mind insists on holding onto a habit – which originally started for a variety of reasons – despite the unquestioned finality resulting from its continuation.

The insistence that elements of a system continue to function within certain parameters – regardless of a "higher logic" – is a factor in synergetic accomplishment. This requires that they constantly adapt (i.e. harmonize) to the purpose of the next higher system. A cascading sequence of adaptation gets it in tune with the purpose of those systems with which they communicate. However, this naturalistic tendency has no vestiges of cognition – which leaves it relatively powerless to shape direction. Therefore, only the enduring characteristics of an element or system are forced to adapt. This repetitive and concurrent process continues until a state of "meaninglessness" is achieved. Remaining in line – average and mediocre – is the mandate until death or demise terminates the process. Of course, that happens unless the human cognitive consciousness is able and willing to become a deciding force in the eventual outcome of this morphing process.

The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.