I seem to be a glass-half-empty kind of guy. Cynical, probably somewhat depressed, often incapable of seeing silver linings or expressing even a modicum of optimism. So, in keeping with those themes, let me opine on the current situation as I see it.
In the macro, we’re fucked. Environmentally, societally fucked, because it seems we are not capable of listening and learning. We are motivated primarily by self-interest. We are stubborn, proud(!), loathe to admit mistakes, petrified of losing, and, when push comes to shove, uninterested in self-improvement.
There. How’s that for a dim view of humanity?
Don’t get me wrong. There are those who take this life seriously and recognize the obligation of shared burdens and relief from suffering. But the people in positions of power and influence are not even close to being on the same page when it comes to an understanding of what it means to share the same planetary living space.
To some, life is merely transactional, one big power grab. To others, it is a privilege, maybe even a gift, where we are obligated to avert our gaze away from ourselves and toward the needs around us. It’s stunning, somehow, to see this play out, to witness the dichotomy, the coldness, the unwillingness to face certain realities together.
It’s no wonder people pray there is a God, because apart from divine intervention, there seems to be not much hope for us as a species. We’re at the apex of the food chain, yet it’s looking like we’re going to devour ourselves.
We can keep being grateful for small victories, though. Snippets of progress. They’re all we have.
3 Cents' 