Here, Socrates reminds us of the problems associated with being what is essentially a tribal species. We tend to look for differences between us, rather than similarities. Then we use these perceived differences as motivation for hatred and, often, violence. …
Tag: environmental collapse
Technology Is a Double-Edged Sword
Tocqueville wrote this in the early 19th Century, and there is no doubt that he made an excellent point, given the times. Had he been alive today, however, I doubt he’d be singing the same tune. Technology, while it is …
Pessimism, Anyone?
Between environmental collapse, world fascism, and nuclear holocaust, it’s not easy to name the threat that is most likely to take us down. And let’s not forget runaway AI. Carl Sagan warned us many decades ago that we are a …
What’s Truly Important
Kudos to cartoonist “Emmerson” whose work appears below. We do indeed have a twisted sense of priorities. Most Americans are aware of climate change and other elements of environmental collapse, but we’re a) stressed about near-term aspects of our lives, …
Our Times
The modern era has a great deal to say for itself in terms of technology that continues to make our lives longer, healthier, easier, and more entertaining. One struggles to name a single other facet of our times that’s worth …
The Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor
Ancient Greek historian Plutarch warned us all about the dangers of a huge gap between rich and poor. He doesn’t explain the exact mechanism by which this destroys republics, but it’s easy to see how a disenfranchised population becomes apathetic …
Jane Goodall Is Hopeful
Anthropologist/primatologist Jane Goodall is optimistic about the outcome of our civilization, despite the hole we’ve dug for ourselves vis-a-vis environmental collapse. As shown here, she bases a great deal of her hope on the devotion that young people have when …
Remembering Einstein
One of the many things we admire about Albert Einstein is his deep humanitarianism. When we think of other quotable people, perhaps Voltaire or Emerson, what we remember them for is their quotes, not their profound contribution in some other …
Will U.S. Politics Return to Where It Once Was?
I met a fellow the other day who told me that the insanity that is present-day U.S. politics is about to swing, as a pendulum, back to a position in which once again makes sense. I told him that I …
Tagged with: environmental collapse
Wealthy People Will Skate Through Environmental Collapse
There is a point to be made here, though it’s obscured by the ridiculous use of “nobody” and “everyone.” We are surrounded by people whose life work is improving conditions for each resident of this planet–now, and for generations to …
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Tagged with: environmental collapse
