Understanding and Applying the Theosophy of Octavia Butler’s Earthseed Toward Achieving Geoethical Nanotechnology
Allison M. Ward
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It is likely the apocalypse that occurred in these books was caused by the people’s refusal to deal with the apparent economic, defensive, and sociological crises. This is precisely what we need to avoid.
Lauren’s theosophy serves as a basis to understanding the need of adaptable, geoethical nanotechnology. Her writings hold great insight into the importance of accepting constant change and instilling the proper systems to keep global peace and unity, and that we use this peace and unity with persistence and the God-like qualities of all good and all knowing.
There are four concepts of the Earthseed theosophy that will directly aid in the success of geoethical nanotechnology. These concepts are:
1) Life is always evolving and we have the power and responsibility to shape this evolution.
2) Persistent education, including new ideas and discoveries, is crucial.
3) Unity among people is paramount to life’s improvement.
4) We must accept our responsibilities and entrust power to wise and focused leaders.
These four concepts offer a basis to a steady and secure nanotechnological growth opportunity.
1. Shaping Evolution
As demonstrated in the past and assumed for the future, life continues to adapt and evolve. Each species builds off the previous in order to ameliorate itself and survive. Life is 
constantly changing, growing, and reproducing, thus suggesting that it will continue in this process. A not so widely accepted fact is that life will no longer be defined only by biological substrate. As nanotechnology will have the capability to recreate life via nonbiological means, we must revisit our previous comprehensions of life, and set boundaries for this radical innovation. The Earthseed theosophy demonstrates the following ideal:
“Here we are—
Energy,
Mass,
Life,
Shaping life,
Mind,
Shaping Mind,
God,
Shaping God,
Consider—
We are born
Not with purpose,
But with potential.”
This ideal suggests we perceive our existence and have the conscious ability to recognize and shape our subjective experience through our mind and the actions it promotes. We discovered some of life’s elements, and some of the laws that govern those elements. These laws show potential energy is all around us. The exact purpose of this knowledge is not defined, but we can feel what we believe is right. We can develop our purpose by shaping the reality around us toward being God-like; all knowing, all present, and all good.
"To shape God
With wisdom and forethought,
To benefit your world,
Your people,
Your life.
Consider consequences.
Minimize harm.
Ask questions.
Seek answers.
Learn.
Teach." [1]
Some people exist as a victim of the world, feeling as though all that happens is happening to them. Lauren encourages operating as a part of the reality, shaping it into what needs to be done, not letting the moment control you, but interacting with it like the fate of a long lost lover, something you know and understand and can rely on. Life is not always pleasant however; life is not always hopeless. It is interactive, and one must strive to truly exist and experience life.
2. Education and New Discoveries
Learning and teaching are the building blocks of humanity. Since the dawn of our time, we have been educating each other through past experience and discovery, as well as future anticipations. By passing down this knowledge to subsequent generations, we are able to develop new information. This pattern aids in establishing a reasonable prediction for the future. The unfortunate problem is that people want to view their discovery as infinitely correct. This view thwarts change. Lauren Olamina writes:
“Beware:
All too often,
We say
What we hear others say.
We think
What we’re told that we think.
We see
What we’re told that we see.
Repetition and pride are the keys to this.
To hear and to see
Even an obvious lie
Again
And again and again
May be to say it,
Almost by reflex
Then to defend it
Because we’ve said it
And at last to embrace it
Because we’ve defended it
And because we cannot admit
That we’ve embraced and defended
An obvious lie.
Thus, without intent,
We make mere echoes
Of ourselves—
And we say
What we hear others say.” [2]
This substantiates past human behavior in the perception of events, religion, racism, biased judgments, and how people accept each other. One cannot develop self in the resonance of others ideals and perceptions. We must make a conscious effort to awaken and develop ourselves through each and every individual experience! It is our responsibility to teach our children, and allow them to have a mind of their own, with just as much potential to develop new ideas and new ways of thinking. Previous conclusions and theories can no longer be accepted as today's. As a people, we need to unite, educate, discuss, and act so we do not continue to divide and perish.