And yet, while it's true historically that no civilization endures indefinitely, there are all sorts of positive trends too - from the dropping costs of solar and wind power, to the spread of appreciation for diversity, to the increasing adoption of organic agriculture and vegetarianism, to the youthful support for Bernie and much more. There are so many trends and countertrends that even the world's most sophisticated supercomputer models cannot accurately predict the outcome. And so, I think that anyone who tells you that we are definitely lost or definitely saved is either mistaken or trying to manipulate you. For all we know, the possibility of a just and ecologically sustainable future still hangs in the balance. And, for all we know, we can, as individuals, and through collective action, affect that balance and make a decisive difference. We cannot know for sure - we just have to decide how we want to live our lives.
I think I recall that Karl Marx believed that humans are a "species being" - meaning that we have an innate affinity for one another and a desire to work together and to help one another. My understanding is that modern biology confirms this. I have personally found that trying to make a difference feels better than watching TV or spending more time on social media. So, whether people dig in because they realize intellectually that their actions might well make a difference, or because it simply feels good, or both, I hope - and I expect - more people will choose action, more action and more intelligent action. Individually and together, our power is great. And it may well be enough.
JB: Thanks for talking with me, Joe. I enjoyed this so much! Wouldn't it be marvelous if your "roll up your sleeves and jump in" attitude is contagious, leading to a tsunami of activism?
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Joe's recent OpEdNews piece: The Opportunity in this Crisis 12.23.2016
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
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