A Utopian Idealism

When one's own self evolves, deepens, becomes more whole, then one naturally begins to seek for that same depth and wholeness in one's relationships with others. As we awaken to higher states of consciousness, as we begin to see our own presence here in this unfolding process in a larger context, and especially as we awaken spiritually, there seems to be an idealism, what we could even call a utopian idealism, that is an inherent characteristic of the evolutionary impulse itself. It's an urge toward greater wholeness, greater fullness, and greater relatedness. Of course, we can't forget that some of the worst mistakes that have happened historically have been a result of this kind of idealism, but the drive toward utopia itself is part and parcel of the evolutionary impulse. I know I've felt that way from the very beginning of my teaching career. I actually think that this evolutionary impulse is part of the human experience at all levels, the minute we evolve beyond mere survival needs. It is part of what it's like to be deeply in touch with life and the creative drive in the universe, and I think it has really always been part of what's compelling humanity forward. Of course, it's led to a lot of wrong turns and catastrophic consequences at times; nevertheless, it's objectively important to realize that that's part of what drives us in our best moments.

—Andrew Cohen