Gregory Bateson argued that the major problems facing the world stem from the discrepancy between how nature operates and how humans think. He believed that our ways of thinking, often characterized by fragmentation and a lack of connection to natural systems, contribute to issues like ecological destruction. Bateson's work emphasized the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of understanding systems thinking to address these problems.
In essence, Bateson's quote serves as a call for a shift in perspective, urging us to recognize the limitations of our current ways of thinking and to embrace a more ecological and interconnected worldview.
Besides Gregory Bateson, several other systems thinkers can be considered humanists, including Bertrand Russell, Alfred North Whitehead, and West Churchman. These thinkers all emphasized the importance of human experience, values, and social well-being within their systems thinking frameworks. Additionally, Kurt Lewin, with his focus on group dynamics and social change, can also be seen as a humanist systems thinker.