> I just read this book and found it disturbing and rather
>convincing. It doesn't tend to promote empowerment since it claims all
>our violent and eco-destructive tendencies are an inevitable result of
>our our unique genetic abilities (altruism is also part of the deal).
For many years Jay Hanson has focused on problems and posted
essays about how bad things are. He has a web pages full of this
stuff. I've had arguments with him a few times and finally decided
it was a waste of time. For me, focusing on the problems goes
nowhere and is depressing. A more balanced position would include
solutions and niches where people could be both happy and helpful.
Once i responded to Jay with a series of thoughts which went like
this:
If we think the problem is too large
it is.
If we think the problem can be solved
it can.
If we spend all our time discussing problems, eventually
the discussion becomes more important than the problem.
Words by themselves do not create a sustainable future
Money can not buy a sustainable future
Votes by themselves do not build a sustainable future
Eventually we have to live it, and then it happens.
Goals are important, but it is the journey
that dominates our life.
Sustainability isn't totally in the hands of others.
Sustainability doesn't depend upon our science.
We don't need a perfect vision for the future.
Assuming we will fail does not make our life better.
We don't need to fight battles or force others to change.
What we can do is look for simple positive actions.
Small actions are the only component of change, even big change.
----
jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko
underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape
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