ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that humanity must traverse a socio-cultural singularity in the next 1000 years to avoid cascading global catastrophes. Yes, technologies will play an important role in the Singularity but not the only role and not even the most essential. This is because fundamental changes are needed in the most fundamental building blocks of society: systems of governance; economics; religion; culture; and psychology. Modern economics and resulting economies are a major barrier to futures-oriented thinking. Nationality, wealth, and religion are three components of identity that are typically quite important to people. Cultural diversity could more easily flourish if individuals were able to healthily transition self-identities. The chapter addresses the challenges the program presents to the mental well-being of individuals and an approach to help individuals meet the challenges. It suggests that a set of Transformative Scenarios be developed to help humanity better anticipate and shape the coming Singularity.
