By: ir. Ian van Eenennaam & dr. Miguel Goede
As we contemplate the future of our societies, especially Curaçao, one question stands central: how do we move towards a more human-centric society or Society 5.0? At the heart of this transformation is the behavior of individuals, which, when aligned with human-centric values, can collectively shape a culture that prioritizes well-being, empathy, and sustainability.
The Role of Human Behavior
Any movement toward a human-centric society fundamentally relies on the behavior based on the human-centric values of its citizens. However, for such behavior to be sustained, neurological reward systems must support it at an individual level. These reward systems drive our actions by providing positive reinforcement when we believe our behavior will produce a desired reward.
Without prior experience or deep conviction that one's actions will result in positive outcomes, the nervous system doesn't align itself with such behaviors. Consequently, the motivation to maintain long-term, prosocial behavior diminishes without this reinforcement. For example, the clean-up Curaçao action has been undertaken for decades, and in September 2024, a new attempt was made. Up to now, with no success.
Long-Term Action Requires Learned Rewards
One of the challenges in bringing about social change is that it’s typically a long-term endeavor. There is no quick fix. Thus, sustainable human-centric behavior requires a deep understanding that long-term actions can result in positive outcomes. This calls for individuals with a quality of endurance—those who believe such efforts will yield tangible benefits, even if delayed. This reminds us of Rutger Bregman’s book and idea of Moral Ambition.
Building Trust in Societies with Deep Divisions
In societies where mistrust, division, and historical exploitation or oppression exist, convincing individuals to engage in behaviors that prioritize the collective good becomes difficult. Human-centric behavior, by its very nature, relies on a level of trust and mutual respect. However, engaging in such behavior may seem risky or even naïve in cultures where trust has been deeply eroded. We are referring here to the post-colonial and slave society of Curaçao.
If mistrust is embedded in the culture, it becomes even more challenging to convince citizens that their long-term efforts, especially those that benefit others, will be rewarded. Overcoming this mistrust is one of the key hurdles to fostering human-centric behavior.
Training the Nervous System for Positive Reinforcement
To address these challenges, we must first focus on the individuals within society, helping them surpass the cultural traumas inflicted through historical oppression and colonization. From a neurological perspective, this involves training individuals' reward systems to associate prosocial, human-centric behaviors with positivity. By doing so, we can gradually rewire the nervous system to align personal rewards with behaviors that benefit society.
Building Trust and Moving Forward
Central to this process is rebuilding trust—not only in one another but in the larger process of moving towards a human-centric society. Trust must be reestablished gradually, step by step, by creating positive associations with cooperative behavior and shared goals.
Breaking the Cycle of Harm
One of the fundamental shifts required for a human-centric society is breaking the cycle of harm passed down through generations. People must stop transmitting traumas and damage to the next generation. This shift cannot happen solely at the individual level; there must be a collective call for action—an organization or movement that initiates, encourages, and guides this process. Fortunately, global examples, such as Rwanda, demonstrate such transformation is possible. These examples offer hope that societies like Curaçao, deeply marked by a history of colonization and exploitation, can also heal and move towards a future rooted in trust and positive behavior. When Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” she meant that every cultural change must begin with a few individuals, no matter how widespread.
Conclusion: Focusing on Healing
Before society can fully engage in long-term actions for the betterment of all, the individuals within that society must first heal from their collective traumas. By focusing on rebuilding trust and reshaping individuals' neurological reward systems, we can lay the foundation for a sustainable, human-centric society—one that values collective progress over individual gain.
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