I was going to write about how most groups with an
agenda and goal tend to focus on it and ignore the
intermediate steps. This sometimes distorts their
view of reality... on and on.. Then propose another
philosophy which avoids these problems (an ecopath).
Somehow it seemed too negative. We need lots of
groups with fantasies about the future and distorted
views of reality.
So, instead here is a short summary of some things
that might fit an ecopath.
1. These are not absolute rules, only guidelines.
Life is an ongoing process where absolutes don't
fit very well.
2. Ideals and knowledge are worthless unless they can
be combined with daily action. Our philosophy should
be a meaningful part of each day and not abstract beliefs.
3. Sustainability is a process and not a definition. You
never arrive somewhere and say you have achieved it.
The earth changes and we change with it. That is part
of sustainability and it is ongoing.
4. Sustainability has many faces and will vary by region.
It will vary by time also. As we approach it there
will be many intermediate steps.
5. The method used to achieve something is usually present
in the result. This says if we want an enjoyable future
we need to use methods which include contentment.
6. A process can be defined as ongoing steps towards some
objective. For me the objective is sustainability and
steps are called an ecopath. Included with this process
are: feedback, education, meeting individual needs,
tolerance, and the most important part.. action.
7. Our philosophy should be used in daily life and then
possibly considered for promotion to others. Pure
activism to change the world tends to create struggles
among activists and their opponents and does not build
models moving towards a sustainable future.
8. Enjoyment of life is increased as we include more of the
natural world and avoid total cultural immersion or
abstract thought. Their is a balance between many factors
here and we can be fairly certain that todays world is
viewing nature as separate from culture. Somehow we need
to combine the two.
Comments, arguments, clarifications?
PS. Julie updated our web page with pictures of her
friends (sheep) and the wool she sells. The last
thing i want is more orders, so don't view this
as a promotion.
----
jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko
underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape
to leave ecopath: unsubscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
