The human brain is the pinnacle of evolution – or so we humans like to think. Our highly evolved brains provide us with the apparently unique capacity for self-awareness, to understand abstract concepts such as humanity, hubris, and humility. This capacity also provides us with the ability — and awesome responsibility — to choose how we proceed on our evolutionary pathway. Will we choose the path of hubris or humility? Here are some thoughts to ponder when considering your choice: 99.9% of species that have ever lived on earth are now extinct. ~Mark Newman Without us, Earth will abide and endure; without her, however, we could not even be. ~ Alan Weisman If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos. ~ E. O. Wilson Nature is trying very hard to make us succeed, but nature does not depend on us. We are not the only experiment. ~ R. Buckminster Fuller What are you choosing to use your highly evolved brain to do? Many students who join the MA in Sustainable Design (MASD) program start their careers as practitioners and producers, designers and decision-makers, managers and makers -- only to realize that their enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work are making the world a worse place. It can be a devastating realization. Thankfully, our students are forward-thinkers and each has chosen to learn how to use their creative energies to make the world a better place. Working by day and studying evenings and weekends, MASD students gain knowledge, skills, and understanding into the fundamentals and practice of sustainable design, systems thinking, collaborative design, biomimicry, leadership, and business. They leverage their passions and insights to pursue an independent thesis project. They leave empowered and equipped to use their highly evolved brains to serve humanity. What path are you choosing to follow, and to lead the rest of humanity? Interested in learning how you might follow the path taken by our MASD students? Please join our free informational webinar tonight (27March2018)! Register here. This post is a modification of post by Denise DeLuca from the BCI blog. Categories About the MA Program Published on March 26, 2018 Tags eco-career global innovation MCAD sustainable design online courses webinar