The Current Financial and Economic Systems

An OM Perspective on Humanity and the Environment

The global financial and economic systems that dominate today’s world are built on principles of capitalism, profit maximization, and constant growth. These systems, while driving technological advancements, raising standards of living, and generating wealth for some, have also led to profound disparities, exploitation, and environmental degradation. From the perspective of the Oneness Movement (OM), these systems largely reflect lower consciousness (LC)—where the pursuit of wealth, power, and competition takes precedence over the well-being of humanity and the planet.

This article will analyze the current global economic and financial landscape through the lens of OM, examining how its structures contribute to inequality, environmental harm, and a disconnection from the true purpose of collective flourishing. We will also explore how a shift toward higher consciousness (HC) could reimagine these systems to support more sustainable, compassionate, and equitable outcomes for all.

1. The Nature of the Current Financial System

At the heart of the global economy lies a focus on capitalism and profit maximization, where the primary goal of businesses and corporations is to generate wealth for shareholders and investors. This system, while efficient at creating wealth, tends to reward self-interest and competition over collaboration and collective well-being.

Profit at the Expense of People and Planet

One of the core features of modern financial systems is the pursuit of endless growth. Companies are judged by their ability to deliver increasing profits, quarter after quarter, year after year. This leads to an overexploitation of resources—human, environmental, and otherwise. Workers are often viewed as labor resources to be optimized or minimized, and the environment is seen as an inexhaustible supply of raw materials to fuel growth.

The impact of this profit-driven system is clear:

• Economic inequality: A small elite continues to amass wealth, while large segments of the population struggle to meet basic needs. This system leads to growing income gaps and social stratification, creating conditions of poverty, insecurity, and exploitation for billions of people worldwide.

• Environmental destruction: The drive for growth has led to deforestation, pollution, depletion of natural resources, and the acceleration of climate change. The environment is treated as an externality—something that is exploited for short-term gain without consideration for long-term consequences.

OM Perspective: Profit and growth, when pursued as ends in themselves, are hallmarks of LC, where self-interest and short-term gains drive decision-making. OM emphasizes that true prosperity arises from recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and taking into account the well-being of the entire system—both humanity and the planet. A system that prioritizes short-term profit at the expense of long-term sustainability and collective well-being is fundamentally out of alignment with Oneness.

2. Inequality and Disconnection from Human Needs

The current financial system is deeply entrenched in structures that perpetuate inequality. Wealth concentration is a significant issue, with the richest individuals and corporations holding a disproportionate amount of the world’s wealth, while the vast majority of people live with insecurity and limited opportunities for upward mobility.

Economic Inequality

Capitalism, while creating opportunities for innovation and wealth creation, often rewards the few at the expense of the many. Those who have access to capital and resources are able to accumulate more wealth, while those who do not remain trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence. The economic system, in its current form, does not prioritize meeting the basic needs of all individuals, nor does it foster equality of opportunity.

The consequences of this inequality are profound:

• Social unrest: Disparities in wealth lead to increasing tension and conflict between the rich and the poor, as individuals and communities experience a growing sense of unfairness and exclusion.

• Exploitation of vulnerable populations: Many of the world’s poorest people are exploited for cheap labor, often in dangerous or inhumane working conditions, while wealthier nations and corporations reap the benefits of low-cost goods and services.

OM Perspective: In HC, the well-being of the collective takes precedence over individual accumulation of wealth. OM teaches that true wealth is not about the amount of material resources one holds but about the degree to which those resources are used to serve others and support the collective growth of humanity. A system grounded in HC would ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met, and that resources are distributed in a way that fosters collective flourishing, rather than perpetuating cycles of inequality and exploitation.

3. Environmental Degradation and Disconnection from Nature

One of the most devastating impacts of the current economic system is the destruction of the natural world. The relentless pursuit of economic growth has led to the overconsumption of natural resources, pollution of air and water, deforestation, and the acceleration of climate change. The environment is often treated as a commodity—something to be used for profit without consideration for its intrinsic value or the long-term consequences of its exploitation.

Climate Crisis and Resource Depletion

The degradation of the environment has reached a critical point, with ecosystems collapsing, species extinction accelerating, and climate change threatening the stability of global systems. This is a direct result of an economic system that prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability. The disregard for the interconnectedness of all life on Earth reflects an LC mindset, where the planet is viewed as separate from humanity and exploitable for human benefit.

OM Perspective: OM teaches that all beings—humans, animals, plants, and the Earth itself—are interconnected and interdependent. The health of the planet is inextricably linked to the health of humanity, and the destruction of the environment is ultimately self-destructive. HC recognizes the intrinsic value of the natural world and seeks to protect and nurture it for the benefit of all beings, including future generations. A shift toward HC would prioritize sustainability, regeneration, and the careful stewardship of natural resources.

4. Consumerism and the Illusion of Fulfillment

The current economic system is also built on a foundation of consumerism, where individuals are encouraged to consume goods and services at ever-increasing rates. This culture of consumption is driven by advertising, marketing, and the belief that material possessions and wealth will bring happiness and fulfillment.

The Endless Pursuit of More

Consumerism creates a cycle where individuals are constantly seeking more—more money, more possessions, more status—believing that these external markers will bring them lasting satisfaction. However, this endless pursuit often leads to feelings of emptiness and disconnection, as the true needs for meaning, connection, and purpose remain unfulfilled.

OM Perspective: OM recognizes that true fulfillment comes not from external accumulation but from internal growth and connection to Oneness. In HC, individuals understand that material possessions are temporary and that real happiness arises from the cultivation of compassion, wisdom, and service to others. A system grounded in HC would prioritize the fulfillment of human needs—for connection, creativity, and purpose—over the pursuit of consumerism and material wealth.

5. A Vision for Higher Consciousness (HC) Economic Systems

The OM vision for a more evolved financial and economic system is one that is grounded in interconnectedness, compassion, and sustainability. Rather than prioritizing profit and growth for a select few, a system rooted in HC would seek to balance individual well-being with the collective good, ensuring that the needs of all beings—human and non-human—are met in a way that promotes harmony and balance.

Key Features of an HC Economic System:

• Equitable Distribution of Resources: In an HC economy, resources would be distributed in a way that ensures that everyone’s basic needs—food, shelter, education, healthcare—are met. Wealth would not be concentrated in the hands of a few but shared in ways that promote the well-being of the collective.

• Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: HC economic systems would prioritize sustainability and the protection of the environment. Businesses would be incentivized to adopt regenerative practices, and policies would be put in place to ensure that natural resources are used in a way that preserves them for future generations.

• Collaboration over Competition: Rather than fostering cutthroat competition, HC systems would encourage collaboration and cooperation. Businesses and individuals would work together to solve problems and create solutions that benefit the collective, rather than prioritizing their own profit at the expense of others.

• Focus on Human Fulfillment: An HC economic system would prioritize the fulfillment of human needs for connection, creativity, and purpose. Rather than driving consumerism and material accumulation, the economy would be designed to support the growth of individuals and communities in ways that align with their highest potential.

Conclusion: The Need for a Conscious Evolution of Economic Systems

The current financial and economic systems are largely based on principles of LC, where self-interest, competition, and the pursuit of profit take precedence over the well-being of humanity and the planet. These systems have led to profound inequality, environmental destruction, and a disconnection from the deeper needs of individuals and society. From the OM perspective, these outcomes are not sustainable and are ultimately harmful to both the Earth and future generations.

A shift toward higher consciousness in our economic systems would involve rethinking how we use wealth, resources, and power. By prioritizing equity, sustainability, and collaboration, we can create systems that support the well-being of all beings and foster a more harmonious relationship with the planet. OM envisions a future where economic systems are designed to serve the collective good, ensuring that all beings have the opportunity to thrive.