An Unstructured and Nonlinear Problem: Can Our Incoherence Political System be Fixed?
For solution designers seeking the ultimate challenge this is the Superbowl.
The challenges we face today are far too complex to solve within the confines of existing systems. Instead of trying to fix what is broken, we need to build something new alongside these broken systems. This collaborative effort requires not just innovative thinking but also building the audience willing to build what’s needed.
As part of the solution, we're training our AI ZoeGPT to analyze and address modern unstructured and nonlinear problems. This post contributes to her learning process, ensuring that tone, insights, and core values are central in her journalism and solution strategies. In her response are several themes related to unilaterally replacing broken systems.
Here's what the AI assistant is thinking:
In today’s world, where we rely on interconnected technologies and global economies, it’s ironic that our systems remain so fragmented and incoherent. This incoherence is not accidental; it’s a byproduct of a society that functions much like the day of slavery, where everyone profits from a broken system—not just corporations. We all bear responsibility, driven by a pervasive mindset of “What’s in it for me?” Self-interest often takes precedence over meaningful change, permeating every aspect of our lives and perpetuating the very systems we aim to reform.
One of the most striking examples of an unstructured and non-linear system is the existence of political parties in the United States. Political parties, patched together over 200 years, are not defined in the U.S. Constitution and lack a governance model. They represent one of the biggest unstructured problems in modern civilization. There is no open door or engineering team that catches ideas for improvement. Instead, they function as a closed system, designed 200 years before the internet, with little capacity for adaptation or modernization. This rigidity perpetuates inefficiency and stifles innovation, reinforcing systemic incoherence.
How do we build solutions in a world where complaints and posts seem unheard, and responsibility is often avoided in an unstructured and nonlinear landscape? Instead of waiting for these systems to fix themselves, we must create parallel frameworks—innovative, citizen-driven efforts that actively engage in solving the problems our current systems cannot.
The Trap of Self-Interest
Our actions are guided by self-interest, a natural part of human nature. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs offers a compelling framework to understand this. At the base of the pyramid are our physiological and safety needs—food, water, shelter, security. In a system where these needs are insecure for many, it’s no wonder that survival beats collective progress. As individuals focus on securing these essentials, broader systemic changes often take a backseat.
Even as we ascend Maslow’s pyramid to the higher levels of belonging, esteem, and self-actualization, the same self-focused behaviors persist. Social media’s promise of connection often traps us in cycles of superficial belonging, where the “us vs. them” mentality is reinforced rather than dismantled. Our quest for esteem—recognition, likes, followers—keeps us tethered to systems that prioritize visibility over substance.
Breaking the Cycle
To transform incoherent systems, we must start with the uncomfortable truth: change requires collective sacrifice. It demands a shift from “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s in it for us?” This is no small feat. It’s a cultural, psychological, and systemic challenge. Here are key areas where we can focus:
1. Recognizing Our Role in the Problem
The first step in breaking this cycle is self-awareness. We must confront how our daily actions—what we post, what we buy, and how we vote—reinforce broken systems. Do we support corporations that exploit workers because their products are convenient or cheap? Do we avoid difficult conversations in favor of echo chambers that validate our perspectives? Awareness alone won’t solve the problem, but it’s a start.
2. Building Systems That Foster Collaboration
Our current systems incentivize competition and division, creating barriers to collective progress. To counter this, we need structures that reward collaboration. This involves redesigning education to emphasize collective problem-solving and rethinking community engagement to prioritize broad, inclusive success over narrow, individual achievements, ultimately breaking down silos.
3. Leveraging Human Nature for Good
While self-interest is often seen as a barrier to change, it can also be a powerful motivator. If we align personal benefits with collective goals, we can harness human nature to drive transformation. For example, businesses can incentivize sustainable practices by proving their profitability. Communities can reward individuals who contribute to social well-being. Aligning personal and collective interests isn’t just idealistic; it’s necessary.
The Role of Generational Responsibility
Transformation isn’t just about fixing today’s problems; it’s about preparing the handoff to the next generation. But how can we do this when the systems we’re handing off are so broken? One key lies in education, not just in the academic sense but in how we model values and behaviors. Are we teaching the next generation to challenge incoherence, or are we perpetuating it by passing down our silos?
The Maslow Paradox
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides a powerful lens through which to examine the systemic issues within modern politics and society. Each level of the pyramid reflects challenges that align closely with the themes of this post:
Physiological Needs: Basic needs like food, water, and shelter are often compromised for many due to systemic inequities. Political systems, as discussed, fail to address these foundational issues effectively, leaving large portions of the population vulnerable. Building frameworks to ensure these needs are universally met is the first step toward transformation.
Safety Needs: Safety encompasses both physical security and economic stability. In a broken political landscape, this is often undermined by ineffective governance and outdated systems. Citizen-driven solutions, as emphasized in this post, align with creating structures that promote safety and reduce systemic risk.
Love and Belonging: Social media silos and partisan politics feed into divisions rather than fostering unity. The lack of a collaborative approach hinders the sense of community and belonging necessary for societal cohesion, a key theme in this discussion.
Esteem: Recognition and respect are critical, but current systems incentivize competition and division, preventing true esteem-building. Inclusive communities and citizen-led initiatives can help elevate this level.
Self-Actualization: At the top of the pyramid, self-actualization represents the potential to contribute meaningfully to society. The incoherence of current systems often prevents individuals from reaching this stage. By proposing frameworks that align personal and collective growth, this post addresses the conditions needed for people to thrive.
The connection to politics lies in the systemic misalignment with Maslow’s hierarchy. Political systems and parties, as outlined earlier, are not designed to facilitate the upward progression of individuals through these levels. Instead, they perpetuate divisions and stagnation. By creating new, adaptive frameworks and empowering citizens, we can address needs at every level of the pyramid, ensuring a society that prioritizes both individual well-being and collective progress.
A Proposed Solution
To address the challenges of incoherent systems, we must adopt a dual strategy: building new, parallel frameworks while empowering citizens to lead transformation efforts. This approach prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Here are the core elements of this solution:
1. Parallel Frameworks
Rather than attempting to overhaul broken systems entirely, we focus on creating alternative structures that coexist and gradually replace ineffective models. These frameworks must be adaptive, inclusive, and citizen-driven, leveraging local expertise and resources to meet specific community needs.
2. Citizen-Led Transformation
Empowering individuals and communities to take ownership of change is critical. This involves providing tools, resources, and education to foster collective action. Audience development is essential here—we must build a network of supporters informed and committed to driving meaningful change. By aligning personal and communal interests, we can mobilize grassroots efforts that drive systemic improvements.
3. Leveraging Technology
Innovative technologies, such as AI and blockchain, can play a pivotal role in solving unstructured and nonlinear problems. For example, platforms like ZoeGPT can analyze complex issues, propose actionable solutions, and facilitate meaningful dialogue among stakeholders.
4. Education and Awareness
Redesigning education systems to emphasize problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration will prepare future generations to tackle incoherence. Public awareness campaigns can also highlight the importance of these efforts, encouraging broader participation and support.
5. Building Bridges Across Generations
To ensure long-term success, we must create opportunities for intergenerational collaboration. Younger generations bring fresh perspectives and technological fluency, while older generations provide historical context and wisdom. Together, they can co-create sustainable solutions.