The CAT-FAWN connection: Using metacognition and Indigenous worldview for more effective character education and human survival

A number of character (or moral) education researchers rightly point to the importance of metacognition as an essential component for success. Thinking about one’s thinking, however, quickly reaches a significant limitation if subconscious beliefs are not included in the reflections—and they seldom are. Concentration-Activated Transformation (CAT) suggests that trance-based learning, intentional or not, is a source for such beliefs. How they relate to Fear, Authority, Words and Nature (FAWN) determines whether learning modifications are positive or negative. Because uninvestigated beliefs about FAWN usually stem from one’s worldview, it becomes vital to use metacognition for evaluating the efficacy of our dominant worldview understandings by contrasting them to the Indigenous worldview, the only other significant historically observable existing option. In doing so, honest reflection reveals that Indigenous ways of engaging FAWN yield higher levels of character actualization, especially as relates to courage, generosity, cooperation, respectfulness and honesty. Such Indigenous-based virtues can also better link human culture to Nature rather than continuing an attitude of separation. Such a link may be necessary for curbing the rising destructive momentum of human behaviors.