The Pragmatist’s Guide to the Next Human Epoch

This article explores how humanity can navigate a civilisational rupture caused by rapid artificial intelligence development and ecological decay. Author Greg Twemlow builds upon Otto Scharmer's concept of a Second Axial Age, arguing that we must transition toward a regenerative society that views the natural world as sacred. To survive this shift, Twemlow introduces Breakout Autonomy, a strategy for individuals to use technology as a lever without losing their unique human judgment. He advocates for the Human Pause, a deliberate practice of reflection and accountability to resist the automated pressures of modern capitalism. Ultimately, the text serves as a pragmatic guide for maintaining personal sovereignty and building ethical "islands of coherence" amidst global chaos. Read the article.About the Author - Greg Twemlow writes and teaches at the intersection of technology, education, and human judgment. He works with educators and businesses to make AI explainable and assessable in classrooms and boardrooms — to ensure AI users show their process and own their decisions. His cognition protocol, the Context & Critique Rule™, is built on a three-step process: Evidence → Cognition → Discernment — a bridge from what’s scattered to what’s chosen. Context & Critique → Accountable AI™. © 2025 Greg Twemlow. “Context & Critique → Accountable AI” and “Context & Critique Rule” are unregistered trademarks (™).