SUBHEAD: Is there a better metric of a person’s character than how she treats those who can do nothing for her?
By Guy McvPherson on 2 April 2014 for nature Bats Last -
(http://m.guymcpherson.com/2014/04/crystallizing/)
Image above: View from open sided palapa in permaculture setting. From (http://nextstepseminar.wordpress.com/).
According to boxer Mike Tyson, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Industrial civilization punched the planet in the face, repeatedly. We wonder why Earth isn’t the same planet with which we grew up. We offer apologies, including recycling and hybrid automobiles, but we’re unwilling — as a society — to pursue substantive change.
And now it’s too late. Earth is done with humans. We’re walking around to save money on funeral expenses.
My response: Pursue what you love. Pursue a life of excellence. Throw off the cultural shackles. All of ‘em.
We’re all in hospice now. Let’s give freely of our time, wisdom, and material possessions. Let’s throw ourselves into humanity and the living planet. Let’s act with compassion and courage. Let’s endow ourselves with dignity. Even if all the data and forecasts are incorrect, even if Earth can support infinite growth on a finite planet with no adverse consequences, please convince me there is a better way to live.
And let’s not forget the immortal words of writer Edward Abbey: “Action is the antidote to despair.” After all, I am not now suggesting, nor have I ever suggested, giving up. Our insignificant lives have never been about us. They’re about the shards of the living planet we leave in our wake. As pointed out by Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Anybody can cheer for winners. Essentially everybody I know sits on the sidelines cheering the favorites. I’m proposing we stop sitting on the sidelines. I’m proposing we get to work on behalf the underdogs. I’m proposing we start working to save the living planet. I’m proposing we start by dismantling industrial civilization.
Is there a better metric of a person’s character than how she treats those who can do nothing for her? Let’s treat others with respect as we leave this mortal coil. Let’s extend the concept of “other” to humans within non-industrial cultures. Let’s extend the concept further, to non-human species. You might think they’ve been doing nothing for us, but they’ve been providing for our own existence. Let’s return the favor.
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By Guy McvPherson on 2 April 2014 for nature Bats Last -
(http://m.guymcpherson.com/2014/04/crystallizing/)
Image above: View from open sided palapa in permaculture setting. From (http://nextstepseminar.wordpress.com/).
According to boxer Mike Tyson, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Industrial civilization punched the planet in the face, repeatedly. We wonder why Earth isn’t the same planet with which we grew up. We offer apologies, including recycling and hybrid automobiles, but we’re unwilling — as a society — to pursue substantive change.
And now it’s too late. Earth is done with humans. We’re walking around to save money on funeral expenses.
My response: Pursue what you love. Pursue a life of excellence. Throw off the cultural shackles. All of ‘em.
We’re all in hospice now. Let’s give freely of our time, wisdom, and material possessions. Let’s throw ourselves into humanity and the living planet. Let’s act with compassion and courage. Let’s endow ourselves with dignity. Even if all the data and forecasts are incorrect, even if Earth can support infinite growth on a finite planet with no adverse consequences, please convince me there is a better way to live.
And let’s not forget the immortal words of writer Edward Abbey: “Action is the antidote to despair.” After all, I am not now suggesting, nor have I ever suggested, giving up. Our insignificant lives have never been about us. They’re about the shards of the living planet we leave in our wake. As pointed out by Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
Anybody can cheer for winners. Essentially everybody I know sits on the sidelines cheering the favorites. I’m proposing we stop sitting on the sidelines. I’m proposing we get to work on behalf the underdogs. I’m proposing we start working to save the living planet. I’m proposing we start by dismantling industrial civilization.
Is there a better metric of a person’s character than how she treats those who can do nothing for her? Let’s treat others with respect as we leave this mortal coil. Let’s extend the concept of “other” to humans within non-industrial cultures. Let’s extend the concept further, to non-human species. You might think they’ve been doing nothing for us, but they’ve been providing for our own existence. Let’s return the favor.
Are you ready to enhance your self-reliance?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to step beyond the violence and destruction of mainstream culture?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to move away from a system that is destroying all life on Earth?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to prepare for the end of industrial civilization?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to secure your own clean water and healthy food?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to secure your body temperature at a safe level, year-around?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to serve your local human community?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to serve your local plant and animal communities?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
Are you ready to live in the moment, where you live, fully appreciating the natural world?
If so, you’re ready for The Next Step.
I stepped away from industrial civilization five years ago. I welcome you to join me.
–Guy McPherson
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