In the first half, bestselling author and scientist Gregg Braden discussed the alarming push to integrate technology into human biology and the untapped potential of human capabilities that far exceed technological advancements. He warned of a concerted effort to "replace our humanness with artificial intelligence, computer chips in the brain, chemicals in the blood, RFID chips under the skin, nanosensors in the body," and a growing momentum to do this by 2030. Once we embark upon this "transhumanist" path, we can't go back, he cautioned, stressing how the introduction of technology into our bodies could lead to the atrophying of our natural abilities.
Highlighting the need for a deeper appreciation of our humanness, he commented, "We're being told that we are a flawed form of life, that we need something outside of ourselves to be the best version of ourselves, and that makes us a victim." Braden argued that this narrative fosters reliance on technology as a savior, diverting attention from the inherent power within humanity.
He pointed out that the human body is an amazing creation in and of itself, with approximately 50 trillion cells acting as microcircuits. "We're talking about 3.5 trillion volts of electrical potential" within us, which could be harnessed for healing and intuition." Braden defined "human divinity" as the ability to transcend limitations, stressing that our biology is essential for accessing our full potential. "When we give our biology away to technology, we're failing our potential for divinity," he asserted.
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In the latter half, author and publisher Brenda Knight spoke about the profound impact of kindness and gratitude in our lives. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized, "Kindness and gratitude really go hand in hand," with even small acts --like opening a door for a stranger-- being able to shift our perspective from self-pity to compassion. Knight shared her belief in Hawaii's "Living Aloha" practice, which encourages simple acts of goodness that unite us in a divided world. "Whatever you give will come back to you tenfold," she said, illustrating this with her own experiences of helping others during tough times, which often returned to her unexpectedly, underscoring the importance of selfless giving without expectation.
Whether acts of generosity stem from genuine intentions or are motivated by other factors, "the world just needs as much kindness as it can get," she remarked. A daily intention of kindness can guide one's actions, she added. The dialogue also touched on the challenges of modern society, particularly the impact of social media on interpersonal connections. "One of the biggest acts of kindness people can do is to put their phone down and look people in the eye," she suggested, advocating for genuine human interaction. On the subject of gratitude, she said we should practice it beyond just one day a year. "It should be 365, 24/7," highlighting how daily intentions can transform our outlook.
News segment guests: Douglas Mulhall, Kevin Randle