Eric Storm:
>I just visited the Brain Food web site again http://dieoff.org/page1.htm .
>. . .
>Every time I read the kinds of essays found at the Brain Food site, I get a
>very strong sense of urgency to do a better job at realizing a sustainable
>path for myself, loved ones and everyone in the world.
Do what feels right to you. The key word is "do." "Every time" indicates
that you get a strong urgency to act but do not. Don't waffle, just do it.
A small part if me
>wonders if this is an over reaction to a nonexistent problem, but I have
>seen too little evidence refuting this kind of information. That small
>part of me must be the same part in others that stops people from taking it
>seriously or deciding to act on it.
That small part of you is nonexistent in most humans. Those of us that have
a large part of us concerned with the future of natural systems are acting
in ways that we feel are appropriate.
>Once the situation is adequately understood and steps in the
>right direction are identified (both ongoing concerns), what are the best
>ways to _present_ the ideas and information to the general public so that
>it has the best chance of getting others to start their own ecopaths?
"Right direction" implies that someone has a reality that he/she wants
others to act on in his/her direction. I hope you can resist evangelism and
prosyletizing. Words are easy. Show by example what you feel is right
living.
This
>idea of "presentation" deserves some thought. Raw information turns many
>people off, the opposite reaction from the one desired.
The question of the future of homo sapiens and what we present humans
should do to affect it ultimately reduces to philosophical questions. Those
with strong religious beliefs handle it with dogma. Those who think it is
nonsense or who don't think we can or should do anything become hedonists.
Nothing new there.
Someone mentioned to me yesterday that Gary Snyder once responded to such
questions with a question: "Why survive?" Think about it.
"I am gently mad myself and resolved to live cleanly." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Gene GeRue, author,
How To Find Your Ideal Country Home: A Comprehensive Guide
http://www.ruralize.com
