Core Questions

1. What are the elementals of cross-cultural inspiration?

• Are there universal motifs on which inspiration of a majority of the world’s population can be founded? What are they?
• Are we universally biologically hardwired as human beings to become inspired in similar ways to similar stimuli?
• Are we inexorably moved as a species toward individuation and fulfillment of certain needs before others? Do cultural factors differentiate our responses?
• What role do archetypical stories and symbols play in our ability to inspire or be inspired? Are there fundamental icons and mythologies that transcend cultural differences?
• Are there constants in the major spiritual paths that could provide the basis for an inspired population across the boundaries of religious belief?

2. What special conditions are necessary for global inspiration to take place?

• What are the circumstances, knowledge, communication paths, attitudes and perspectives required to capture the attention of people with diverse religious and philosophical beliefs, cultural backgrounds and base mythologies and inspire them to act?

3. Does it require a special individual or group to initiate inspiration?

• If so, what traits, characteristics and perspectives are necessary for such an individual or group to succeed?

4. How do we put what we learn into practice?

• What should be happening next, in your own field, to apply what we have learned?
• What’s the next piece of research that should ensue?
• What role should the Forum play in moving the work forward?

Understanding Our Moment in History

   Discussion Leader: Richard Tarnas, Ph.D.

   Download Abstract (pdf)

   Download Suggested Readings (1.3 MB pdf)

Paths Of and To Inspiration

   Discussion Leader: Dennis Slattery, Ph.D.

   Download Abstract (pdf)

The Spiritual Basis of Inspiration

   Discussion Leader: William Miller

   Download Abstract (pdf)

The Neurobiology of Inspiration

   Discussion Leaders: Josh Gibson, M.D.,

   Richard Lannon, M.D., and Thomas Lewis, M.D.

   Download Suggested Readings (pdf)

Leaning Into the Light

   Discussion Leader: Joan Halifax Roshi, Ph.D.

   Download Abstract (pdf)

   Suggested Readings

Mental Models for Cross-Cultural Inspiration

Rhetoric and Cross-Cultural Inspiration

Universal Metaphysical Symbols and Their Role in Cross-Cultural Inspiration

   Submitted by: Nanci Takeyama-Losch, Ph.D.
   Download Abstract (pdf)
   Download Essay (high-resolution 2.9 MB pdf)
   Download Essay (low-resolution 1.8 MB pdf)

Some people have submitted papers regarding specific applications.
We include these submissions for your consideration for ancillary discussion.

Building a Sustainable World: A Challenging OD Opportunity

Lessons from the Top: Mount Fuji, Mount Sinai and Other Peak Paradigms

Inspiration and Fundamental Human Values in Meeting
Global Priorities for Safe Water and Sanitation for All

The Neuroscience of Leadership

Navigating a Breakpoint in History