Single-Loop Learning, Double-Loop Learning and Homelessness – Bonus Post - Total Consciousness

Homelessness is no laughing matter, but in thinking about single-loop learning and double-loop learning, I could not help, but think about this iconic scene, in which the character says he was a “looper”:

The thing is, if you think about what the story is really all about, you must admit, it is obvious... single-loop learning and double-loop learning! 

These parts of the story go against the “governing variables” of what we know or assume we know about Tibet and the Dalai Lama:

• The existence of a golf course in Tibet;
• The Dalai Lama playing golf, in his robes no less;
• The Dalai Lama’s strength, as a “big hitter,”;
• The Dalai Lama, the epitome of morality, “stiffing” his caddy.

However, the Dalai Lama then engages in double-loop learning, at its best:
 

• He does not accept the idea that the caddy’s tip must be monetary;
• He tells the caddy that the tip he will give him is much better;
• He convinces the caddy that total consciousness on his death bed is better than money!

 
The postscript to this is that many years later, someone actually asked the Dalai Lama about this story:
 

 
This too is an instance of single-loop learning vs. double-loop learning. After all, an important implicit governing variable of interviews with the Dalai Lama is that you probably don’t want to ask him about Caddyshack. Brett Baier was not deterred by that. He questioned the governing variable, and finally, we have our answer…