Kathryn:
>So I guess sustainability is a societal process, a scientific process, an
>educative process, a progression of personal choices - because if
>individuals do not find personal satisfaction at some level they will not
>make the societal choices necessary for human survival.
>But maybe it is enough that Gaia survives - sustainability could simply be
>the continued existence of the planet with some form of life on it
We are time-oriented. Very short-term oriented, as that is our lot.
Sustainability for the planet? Of course. Does the planet care in what
condition it survives? A few billion years from now, does it matter which
species is dominant?
We are values-driven. We want what we feel is good for us, our children,
our grandchildren, to the generation hence for which we have cognition.
We are ego-driven. We want to feel good about ourselves, so do those things
that support that emotion. I often wonder why I make continuing effort to
live simply and gently on this good earth, when so many are having so much
enjoyment living for the moment. It is a matter of character, of honor, of
my self-perception of decency. In the end, it only matters to me and
possibly as a model for others.
