Singular Enhancement Optimization: Impact

By Dan Coleman

What is in it for Moi? A natural question for almost any proposed change. Who would fault those potentially impacted by change for thinking it. Fewer would fault those for verbalizing it. An article was published recently introducing a new political theory called Isolation Moderation – one that carries a very likely solution for many social problems around the globe. Specifics are a challenge to pinpoint because much will be determined by the local culture, country, and existing political and economic environment. 

Here are some impacts I would envision: 

Impact to individuals and households:

• Families will increase the ability to be cohesive, while developing authentic bonds and encouraging unity

• Household members will have the ability to learn to decrease selfish tendencies, identify common goals, and increase cooperation and collaboration 

• Household members will be more willing to learn about each other’s goals and increase desire to support others         

• Households will have the ability to identify incongruence and attempts to sabotage others’ efforts of growth

• Households will increase the ability to identify dream pursuits, navigate career changes, empower strengths, and engage in desired entrepreneurial endeavors

• Household members will increase the ability to identify unmet needs, support each other, and challenge perceptions of defeat and jealousy 

• Household members will increase receptivity to observing positive impact of collaboration

• Individuals will increase ability to identify role and capabilities, and pursue goals while acknowledging perceived limitations

Impact to communities:

• People may feel more appreciated and engaged, which may increase optimism and hope

• People may mitigate their need for reliance on federal services and increase confidence in community 

• Volunteers may become more likely to invest in philanthropic efforts and obtain rewards associated with humility 

• Opportunity for more fulfilled citizens, which may increase quality of municipal output

• Opportunity to deconstruct underlying unmet need of critiques and feedback from citizens, which may inspire sustainable, effective resolution 

Municipal impact:

• An increase in fulfilled and appreciated citizens may spread to more cohesion and unity among various communities and establishments 

• Opportunity for more cohesion with opposing ideologies, and increase in articulation of needs for policy and implemented structure 

• An increase in ability to transition with change and adjust in a manner which encourages stability and functionality

• An increase in cause and effect, and ability to maintain empathy and compassion while attempting to maintain sustainability 

• Opportunity for citizens to participate in the decision-making process and have a sense of power in encouraging safety and growth 

Federal:

• Potential decrease in need for violence, crime, and punishment 

• Hope in decrease in nation’s debt and ability to allocate funds to support citizens 

• An increase in quality of workers upholding policies, laws, and application of ideology and values 

The possible benefits of the theory are breathtakingly appealing and there are isolated instances of it around the globe. Switzerland, for example, does not need an expensive armed forces recruitment campaign because every able-bodied Swiss male does military training and a minimal tour of duty after high school. There is not the social rift there between those who have served their country and those who have not. 

Yours truly was once advised by a Canadian immigrant that job hunting there is both less competitive and more so. Post-secondary education is tax-funded so there is less stress to get into a well-reputed school. Consequently, there is less worry about where one studied. Employers evaluate the person as a whole and consider the aspects of the individual, which may increase alignment with the company’s vision and mission. 

Along those same lines, advanced studies in France align with the notion of identifying strengths and maximizing them. The advanced degree schools, the grandes écoles, specialize and offer studies in only their specialty. (With this, there are costs and benefits, however the structure and procedure is different from what is common in the United States.) 

As a result, a colossal benefit in France’s educational system, to an advanced degree candidate, is that schools collaborate. A student needing one very specialized class for development, more than matriculation, can take it with full credit at a school offering it. A student is able to prioritize their needs and find schools willing, and eager, to support them. 

The developer of Isolation Moderation himself warns that, as appealing as the theory is globally, change does not come easily and often carries a considerable cost. Those concerned only for their own lives do not care if new businesses succeed. There is less concern whether government offices operate at peak efficiency. Crime is considered irrelevant, until it reaches their doors. Poverty is not their fault nor their concern. And, the theme of perspective and direct impact become louder to those not immediately affected.  

A phone call to the chief enforcement officer in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, asking for an opinion on any political theory that might lower crime and raise personal satisfaction levels was never returned. 

A Public Information Officer in Rockingham County, North Carolina, was invited to give her opinion on whether any political theory that left people happy and productive, feeling listened to and considered, would result in fewer demands of state-funded social services and lives of perpetual crime abandoned. That officer said she had to ‘recuse’ herself from a reply to a political question.

The intention had been to ask whether career counselors in the Wake Forest University Career Center believed a political practice that provided basic opportunities like post-secondary job training or education and basic healthcare would likely result in happier, respectable citizens that picked up trash, did not deface public property, or shoot other drivers in rage. There was no response from that facility. 

An email inquiry sent to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, Office of Independent Ombudsman, asking if they believed inmates would be better served by a theory that made people feel heard, considered, and optimistic has yet to be answered. 

There is a timely response from the developer of the theory. He has written a sequel entitled, Political Notes. His website describes it as a creative guide on ideas nations can use at home for long-term benefit. According to the website, topics include these: infrastructure, education, post-secondary education, military & security, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, economics, government, congressional system, and law. The book purportedly provides motivating insights to encourage reflection, critical thinking, and generation of a new understanding of our systems in place.

The point is reiterated. Isolation Moderation is so awe-inspiring and jaw-droppingly simple it is nearly incredulous. One learns of it and wonders what the world awaits. The proposed change of mind will undoubtedly frighten some and anger others.

Have we not all heard adages to the effect that nothing in life worth its possession comes easily? What will you do with it?

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Intrigued… check out the next application of this theory

Lost… refer to the previous explanation