Barbara Marx Hubbard: The Prophet of Progressive Utopianism

Imagine a world where everyone is forced to think the same, act the same, and live under the guise of a utopian society. Enter Barbara Marx Hubbard, a futurist and author who, in the 1960s and beyond, became a leading voice in the New Age movement. She was born in 1929 in New York City and spent her life advocating for a future where humanity evolves into a collective consciousness. Her ideas were radical, and she believed that humanity was on the brink of a massive transformation. But why should we care about her vision? Because her ideas have seeped into the fabric of modern progressive thought, influencing everything from education to politics.

Hubbard's vision was one of a "conscious evolution," where humanity would transcend its current state and become something greater. She believed that this transformation was not only possible but inevitable. Her ideas were rooted in the belief that humans could evolve beyond their current limitations through technology and spiritual awakening. This sounds like a sci-fi novel, but Hubbard was serious, and her ideas have been taken seriously by many in the progressive movement.

Her influence can be seen in the way modern progressives push for a society where everyone is equal, not just in opportunity but in outcome. This is a dangerous path, as it leads to a society where individual achievement is stifled, and mediocrity is celebrated. Hubbard's vision of a collective consciousness is eerily similar to the current push for identity politics, where people are defined not by their individual merits but by their group identity.

Hubbard's ideas also align with the current obsession with technology and its potential to solve all of humanity's problems. She believed that technology could be used to create a utopian society, where everyone is connected and working towards a common goal. This is a seductive idea, but it ignores the reality that technology can also be used to control and manipulate. The idea of a tech-driven utopia is a pipe dream, and it ignores the fact that human nature is inherently flawed.

The New Age movement, of which Hubbard was a part, has also influenced the way we view spirituality. Her ideas about a collective consciousness have led to a rise in the belief that all religions are essentially the same and that we should strive for a universal spirituality. This is a dangerous idea, as it undermines the unique beliefs and traditions of different cultures and religions. It promotes a homogenized view of spirituality that is devoid of depth and meaning.

Hubbard's vision of a utopian society is also reflected in the current push for globalism. She believed that humanity should work together as one, transcending national boundaries and creating a global community. This sounds noble, but it ignores the reality that different cultures have different values and priorities. The push for globalism often leads to the erosion of national sovereignty and the imposition of a one-size-fits-all approach to governance.

Her ideas have also influenced the way we view education. The push for a standardized curriculum and the emphasis on social and emotional learning are rooted in the belief that education should be about creating a collective consciousness rather than fostering individual achievement. This is a dangerous trend, as it leads to a generation of students who are unable to think critically and independently.

Hubbard's vision of a utopian society is a seductive one, but it is ultimately flawed. It ignores the reality of human nature and the importance of individual achievement. Her ideas have influenced the progressive movement in ways that are detrimental to society. We should be wary of any ideology that seeks to impose a one-size-fits-all approach to humanity. The beauty of humanity lies in its diversity, and any attempt to homogenize it is doomed to fail.