Cultural Diversity - Cultural Vigor

Cultural Vigor

"Cultural Vigor" is a concept proposed by philosopher Nayef Al-Rodhan. He defines cultural vigor as cultural resilience and strength that results from mixing and exchanges between various cultures and sub-cultures around the world. In his general theory of human nature, which he calls "emotional amoral egoism". Al-Rodhan argues that all humans are motivated amongst others by arrogance, injustice, exceptionalism, and exclusion. According to him, these particular motivating factors are unfounded, misguided, and hinder humankind's potential for synergistic progress and prosperity. In order to combat these tendencies, Al-Rodhan argues that cultural vigor and ethnic and cultural diversity must be actively promoted by governments and civil society. Al-Rodhan compares cultural vigor to the natural phenomenon of "hybrid vigor", arguing that in nature, molecular and genetic diversity produce stronger and more resilient organisms that are less susceptible to disease and mutational challenges. Similar resilience can be produced through fostering cultural and ethnic diversity. Ultimately, Al-Rodhan maintains that cultural vigor will ensure humanity's future and will improve humans' ability to survive and thrive.