Transcending Materialism: Embracing Consciousness and Interconnectedness for a Sustainable Future

Science and technological progress without consciousness are endangering our future. We are living at times in which we must collectively become aware of our interconnectedness and of the universal nature of consciousness to safeguard our future.

Benjamin Casteillo
3 min readApr 6, 2023

For centuries, religions have been used by systems of power to subjugate and control the population. During the century of light in Europe, scientists and philosophers exposed the irrationality of dominant Abrahamic religious beliefs.

As a result, there was a cultural renaissance based on the rejection of religious beliefs and the emergence of a science focusing on understanding the world through the study of matter. In the process, spirituality was rejected together with old religions.

That led to materialism — the traumatized child of abuse of power and dogmatic religions, based on the belief that nothing exists except matter. In the pursuit of materialism, humanity has lost touch with its spiritual essence and the interconnected nature of existence. As a result, our focus has shifted to the accumulation of wealth, power, and resources, leading to unsustainable patterns of behavior and a lack of empathy toward our environment and fellow beings. This disconnection has brought us to the brink of a global crisis, with climate change, environmental degradation, social inequalities, and other existential challenges threatening our very survival.

The End Game of Materialism — Source: Steve Cutts

Because materialism denies consciousness, it now drives a willingness to turn humans into performing machines through AI and transhumanism, which would only multiply the self-destructiveness induced by our unsustainable systems and patterns.

To address these challenges, we must first recognize the limitations of materialism and reconnect with our spiritual essence. This involves acknowledging our inherent interconnectedness and the universal nature of consciousness, as well as understanding the importance of compassion, empathy, and cooperation in our individual and collective actions.

By embracing knowledge of the Self, and through it, self-integrity and self-actualization, we can begin to cultivate a sense of unity and shared responsibility for our planet and all forms of life on it. This shift in perspective and values is the base of sustainable, equitable, and compassionate societies, driven by a collective consciousness focused on the greater good.

As we embark on this journey of self-discovery and conscious evolution, it is crucial to support one another and to create safe spaces for healing and personal growth. By deconstructing the false beliefs of old dogmatic religions, including materialism through knowledge, we can establish the bases of sustainable cultures and values that will reshape our societies and transform our world.

Moving away from all religions including Materialism

Together, we can transcend the limitations of materialism and forge new pathways toward a sustainable and conscious future — one that honors the interconnectedness of all life and fosters a deeper understanding of our shared purpose as human beings, as protectors and enhancers of lives. In doing so, we can create a world where humanity thrives in harmony with the natural environment and with the universe, guided by the wisdom of the Self and a collective consciousness that transcends the boundaries of ego, fear, and division.

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Benjamin Casteillo

Benjamin is the founder of New World Together, a Transdisciplinary Research & Education platform pioneering Global Sustainability with Human Solutions.