Notes from the Field: A Former Predator’s Journey

For years, I was the epitome of a Horizon One-er. But what exactly does that entail? Living within the Horizon One paradigm means embodying its culture, beliefs, and practices.

Picture me on Wall Street, decked out in an Armani suit with Bulls and Bears suspenders and a power tie to match.

I had wholly embraced the narrative of Horizon One, with its promises of benefit through extraction and competition. In essence, I was a predator in a world that celebrated the survival of the fittest.

Or, as I’ve come to understand it, a depredator, if such a term exists.

But the chasm between the mindset of Horizon One and that of Horizon Three is profound. Transitioning from one to the other isn’t merely a change of opinion; it’s a seismic shift in understanding and being.

Horizon Three pioneers are not just ideating a regenerative future; they live and breathe it. They’ve embraced a systemic way of thinking, deeply rooted in living system theory and complexity theory.

These aren’t just academic concepts for them; they’re lenses through which the world becomes intelligible and malleable.

What fascinates me now, as I navigate this transition, is the undeniable potential locked within Horizon Two’s innovations.

The advances bubbling up in this intermediary horizon are more than technological breakthroughs; they’re the keys to unlocking a future where regenerative practices are not just idealized but integrated into the very fabric of society.

As a former Horizon One-er, my journey into the depths of Horizon Three’s philosophy is both humbling and enlightening. It’s a realization that the world is infinitely interconnected, that every action has a ripple effect, and that sustainability isn’t just about conservation but about thriving in symbiosis with our environment.

Each horizon within Bill Sharpe’s framework operates under its own distinct paradigm, characterized by a unique set of values, beliefs, and incentives. This divergence fundamentally shapes how each horizon perceives and responds to challenges.

Horizon 1, rooted in traditional, ‘business as usual’ practices, often prioritizes short-term gains and stability over long-term sustainability. In contrast, Horizon 3, with its visionary and regenerative focus, embraces principles that foster systemic health and resilience, looking to solve problems through innovative, sustainable solutions. The difference in underlying paradigms between these horizons leads to vastly different visions and approaches to similar challenges, highlighting the importance of paradigmatic perspective in shaping our responses to the issues we face.

The transition is challenging, fraught with the need to unlearn and relearn, to dismantle old paradigms and embrace new truths. Yet, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Understanding the interplay between Horizon Two’s innovations and Horizon Three’s vision is akin to discovering a new language — a language of regeneration that speaks of potential, renewal, and hope. In sharing my journey, I aim to bridge the vast gap between Horizons One and Three, offering insights into how embracing the innovations of Horizon Two can illuminate the path to a regenerative future.

It’s a testament to the transformative power of adopting a new perspective, one that sees beyond extraction and competition to a world where we all thrive, interconnected, and renewed.

What fuels my optimism is the tangible evidence that such a transformative shift in perspective is not just possible but already underway.

The journeys of individuals like Nate Hagens, John Fullerton, among dozens of others, serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the real potential for migrating from a Horizon One mindset to actively participating in and shaping the vision of Horizon Three.

Their stories, underscore the feasibility of this monumental shift and the crucial role these pioneers play in constructing and realizing a new paradigm.

The emergence of Horizon Three as a viable and vibrant alternative gives us more than just hope; it offers a blueprint for action. It underscores our collective responsibility to lay down the bridges necessary for a broad and decisive shift away from the self-terminating model of Horizon One.

The task before us is to facilitate a mass migration towards a more regenerative future — a transition that is not only inevitable but essential for our survival and flourishing. This looming transition, however, is not without its challenges.

The current dominance of Horizon One, with its unsustainable practices and short-sighted objectives, represents a model on the brink of collapse. Recognizing this, the urgency for us to understand, embrace, and expedite this paradigm shift becomes even more critical.
The “great transition,” as I like to call it, requires a comprehensive unraveling of existing structures, a reevaluation of our interactions with the natural world, and a concerted move towards what can be termed as the “third attractor.” (*)

The “Third Attractor,” a concept from systems theory, describes a state beyond stability or chaos, where systems evolve towards dynamic balance. This sophisticated framework suggests a future of resilience and flourishing, where societal and ecological systems navigate complexity, transcending traditional binaries to embrace adaptability and order simultaneously.

The path ahead is clear. The more of us who awaken to the reality of our situation and the possibilities that Horizon Three offers, the smoother and more transformative this shift will be. It’s about more than just survival; it’s about creating a world where the principles of regeneration guide our every decision, where the thriving of all life is the measure of our success. This is the great challenge — and opportunity — of our time, and it’s one that we must embrace with open hearts and minds.

(*) For more on the Third attractor follow Daniel Schmachtenberger

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