Whole Intelligence Now

Whole Intelligence Now comprises a growing network of professionals and concerned others who share a particular conviction: that humanity is at a crossroad. It is very likely the most important crossroad in human history. Our purpose is to awaken our collective, inherent Whole Intelligence and allow it to flourish. This requires us to reconnect with ways of thinking about intelligence which have been available to human beings for thousands of years across many cultures. However, in recent centuries these have been overtaken by a narrower view of intelligence focused on cognitive performance and intellectual ingenuity alone. Our conviction is that a desirable future will not come through this limited vision of intelligence. There needs to be wider recognition of other human potentialities that contribute to human functioning. Our focus has to be on how human beings can act more intelligently – with more competence, foresight, and wisdom – both individually and collectively in their organisational teams and institutions. Our professional practice-based observation and inquiry have indicated that human beings ACT more intelligently when they (1) collaborate with others and handle differences sensitively, (2) respond imaginatively to complex situations rather than rely on fixed procedures, (3) are self-aware and cultivate their aesthetic sense of 'what is right', (4) remain in touch with the full range of their sensations, bodily feelings, especially in nature, and (5) draw on their creativity, and shape-shifting imagination. When all these five capabilities appear together, Whole Intelligence is conspicuous and transformative. The ensuing wholeness of outlook and depth of experience aligns with the wider holistic, unitive perspective that is increasingly recognised across different spheres of human activity. Developing whole intelligence provokes new thinking for education, links to spiritual outlooks, and supports mental health and resilience.