Very good article! I think many people do recognize the problem—maybe not the full scope of it— and feel overwhelmed. We are each trapped in an extractive, exploitative system. Each individual can feel somewhat powerless to make large systematic changes even though we understand that’s what’s needed. I don’t eat meat or fish products, and have no pets or kids, and that’s what many others are also doing. We should get rewarded for this in some way, meaning government could be incentivizing behavior that’s good for the environment. I think the ultimate solution is to get rid of $$ as an unfair and inaccurate system of value, and move to another value system to make assessments (such as the virtues). Yes, there’s pathology but also ignorance. (By the way, nihilism and atheism are on the rise and are not necessarily good for the environment—these nontheistic beliefs could underlie a “get it while you can” mentality.) Keep spreading the word and thanks for this message!!
Excellent points, Vero! The feeling of powerlessness is a serious matter since most of us are not political leaders or big media influencers. We can only do what we can do—and keep pushing the envelope. I'm not sure if a belief in god helps or hinders. It depends on the kind of god. Personally, I find immense glory and power in nature, and that's totally motiving!
Here’s a quote from the Bhagavad Gita (chapter 6, Krishna speaks to Arjuna):
“Who burns with the Bliss and suffers the sorrow of every creature within his own heart, making his own each bliss and each sorrow, I hold highest of all the yogis.”
The phrase “Every creature” isn’t restricted to humans but to all life in Earth. Chapter 8: “The creative energy of Brahman is that which causes all existences to come into being.”
In US, religious affiliation and attendance has drastically declined since the 70’s so if these beliefs were in fact a driving force in causing environmental degradation, there should have been an overall improvement but we see the opposite—environmental degradation has greatly increased.
Thanks Vero. Religious anthropocentrism is only one of the many factors I mention that cause people to accept mass destruction of other life. It seems eastern religions and certainly Indigenous spirituality are far less anthropocentric and offer the most promise.
Yes, love it all, but the primary solution is CONSUME LESS. Until the western world absorbs this simple fact first, followed by the rapidly developing Chinese, Indian and African worlds, none of the other ‘feel good’ stuff will work.
Very good article! I think many people do recognize the problem—maybe not the full scope of it— and feel overwhelmed. We are each trapped in an extractive, exploitative system. Each individual can feel somewhat powerless to make large systematic changes even though we understand that’s what’s needed. I don’t eat meat or fish products, and have no pets or kids, and that’s what many others are also doing. We should get rewarded for this in some way, meaning government could be incentivizing behavior that’s good for the environment. I think the ultimate solution is to get rid of $$ as an unfair and inaccurate system of value, and move to another value system to make assessments (such as the virtues). Yes, there’s pathology but also ignorance. (By the way, nihilism and atheism are on the rise and are not necessarily good for the environment—these nontheistic beliefs could underlie a “get it while you can” mentality.) Keep spreading the word and thanks for this message!!
Excellent points, Vero! The feeling of powerlessness is a serious matter since most of us are not political leaders or big media influencers. We can only do what we can do—and keep pushing the envelope. I'm not sure if a belief in god helps or hinders. It depends on the kind of god. Personally, I find immense glory and power in nature, and that's totally motiving!
Here’s a quote from the Bhagavad Gita (chapter 6, Krishna speaks to Arjuna):
“Who burns with the Bliss and suffers the sorrow of every creature within his own heart, making his own each bliss and each sorrow, I hold highest of all the yogis.”
The phrase “Every creature” isn’t restricted to humans but to all life in Earth. Chapter 8: “The creative energy of Brahman is that which causes all existences to come into being.”
In US, religious affiliation and attendance has drastically declined since the 70’s so if these beliefs were in fact a driving force in causing environmental degradation, there should have been an overall improvement but we see the opposite—environmental degradation has greatly increased.
Thanks Vero. Religious anthropocentrism is only one of the many factors I mention that cause people to accept mass destruction of other life. It seems eastern religions and certainly Indigenous spirituality are far less anthropocentric and offer the most promise.
Loved your concluding paragraph, especially the concept of eco-catatonia.
Thanks Barbara. I appreciate your work seeking justice for all life.
Yes, love it all, but the primary solution is CONSUME LESS. Until the western world absorbs this simple fact first, followed by the rapidly developing Chinese, Indian and African worlds, none of the other ‘feel good’ stuff will work.