Eric:
>>Is it the idea that one shouldn't push one's ideas on others the reason why
>>the vast majority of people on a given list don't ever post anything?
Kathryn:
>Anyway they are all welcome to sit in.
Every list i've participated in has a few talkers and
the majority were quiet. This is true for me also. On some
lists i'm silent and on others i participate. The only
concern i have is that someone has a idea and is hesitant
to comment.
On a related topic... I've been worried about my use of the
word "activist". The definition keeps shifting by the
context. So, i got a book on activists to see what they say.
The book is:
Heaven on Earth
(15-minute miracles to change the world)
by Danny Seo (1999)
This book stress the value of small acts and has techniques
that can be used. Raising money is covered along with ways
to help others. It often assumes being an activists involves
influencing others. A small amount of time is allocated each
day for good deeds. The word empowerment is used often. In
short, a classical view of activism.
When talking about an ecopath i'm modifying that definition
slightly. The goal is sustainability which modifies "HOW" we
implement activism. Rather than a temporary act to fix a
problem this new activism is an ongoing part of us. We are
part of the process. We would not let others decide what
constitutes a good cause. We may get involved in fighting a
local battle, but always think about balance in our life and
recognize that "HOW" we fight impacts the future. This
suggests we act in accordance with our model of a sustainable
future.
Another difference is the definition of "a good cause" is
constantly subject to a process of on going education. If
happiness is part of our future vision then it is part of our
activism. If our model of the future changes then our life
and activism changes also.
For example, this book suggests when traveling collect all
the free shampoo bottles and donate them to a homeless
charity. At one time this would have sounded like a good
idea to me. Today, it appears to be a waste of time.
Looking at how consumption is impacted and what the homeless
need leads to a different conclusion. My sustainable model
is continuously growing and changing.
That is still a little vague... There are some things being
left out which are lost in my foggy thoughts somewhere...
----
jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko
underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape
to leave ecopath: unsubscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
