![[Holarchy]] # Nested Structure: A holarchy illustrates how holons are organized in a non-hierarchical yet interconnected manner, where each level is a holon composed of smaller holons, and is itself a part of a larger holon. This means that the universe is not seen as a collection of isolated parts or an undifferentiated whole, but rather as a system of nested, interdependent units. # Relationship to Holons: In a holarchy, every holon exhibits two fundamental tendencies: a self-assertive tendency (acting as a unique, autonomous whole) and an integrative tendency (acting as a dependent part within a larger whole). The concept of holarchy emphasizes that the balance between these two "antagonistic" tendencies must play out at every nested level. # Examples of Levels: Here are some examples of these nested levels, moving from the individual to increasingly larger collectives: - An individual human is a holon. - Individuals are parts of a family. - People are parts of tribes. - Tribes are parts of nations. - Nations are parts of species. - Species are parts of ecosystems. - Ecosystems are parts of the biosphere. - Ultimately, the biosphere and noosphere represent overarching holons. # Importance for Planetary Health: For the "Earth community to thrive," the polarity of self-assertion and integration needs to manifest and be balanced across all of these holonic levels. The idea is that an alignment between the self-interest of a part and the interest of the larger whole can lead to a state of resonance, where self-assertion and integration become "coterminous" and enhance each other. This deeper understanding moves beyond metaphors of submission or domination. # Sources - [A Brain of Brains: Human Cerebralization in the Paleolithic Stage](https://youtu.be/n60eXsXR7AI?si=X0HUeC-J3lykbbr6) - [Beyond Sovereignty and Submission: The complex role of the modern individual within the noosphere](https://youtu.be/SjyGz6Z9Ys4?si=sPHz8tyf_DchaSE1)