It is undoubtedly true that wherever humans exist on this planet, there is going to be a degree of inherent cruelty and pain created by our own nature, instincts and desire to survive. This issue is age-old and will continue to exist for uncountable generations in the future, if our species survives that long and while we may attempt to change this problem, it will be a constant uphill struggle against our own impulses. However, the plight of human beings in this world is entirely of our own creation and there is an issue that strikes a far deeper chord when it is brought to light, namely that of the awful and possibly irrevocable damage that has been wreaked upon the entire planet at the hands of humanity. The large brain that the species homo sapien has been gifted with has permitted him to change his environment to its very core, from the smallest aspects to the largest, and the other species that inhabit the planet have suffered catastrophically as a result. It is for this reason then, that I urge all of those compassionate beings whom I call fellow humans, to spread the word about the untold damage that is being wreaked upon the natural environment in the course of human expansion, and about what is said later that can be done to stop it.
While in no way is it implied here that all humans are guilty of terrible environmental damage, many are as kind and sympathetic as it is possible to be, the fact remains that even the kindest of people in the world has a place in a society that practices horrendously damaging methods of gaining material revenue. In the course of a few millennia, a time that is barely a heartbeat in the age of the planet, we have managed to change the geographical face of this globe, molding and shaping, cutting and slashing, burning and destroying all in our path to make room for yet more humans to come into existence. No other being on earth is as prolific in creating destruction as we are, no other creature has been seen to drive entire species to the very brink of extinction, and occasionally give them the final push into total obscurity. No other species has eliminated millions of its own kind over disagreements about race, religion, gender, resources or lines on a map. If it were only possible to foster a slightly calmer, more readily compromising and less warlike species, the world would be seen to be an infinitely better place. A few small words from one individual can do little to sway the minds of the masses, but if only a few hear and remember and relay these words to others, and they in turn pass those words along and begin trying to live more peaceful lives, then perhaps, in time, a better existence for humanity can be formed. Humans are natural pack animals with tendencies to imitate what the majority is doing, and if a majority can be seen to do the right thing for an extended period of time, then maybe the species as a whole will move in the right direction. One thing is certain, humanity cannot go on as it has done for two thousand years and expect to survive for very much longer. It is too prolific, too powerful and too close other beings on this planet, and in the terms of global annihilation, a single pebble knocked loose may create an avalanche and sweep humanity into the void for evermore. A few steps may slow this fate to the point where it becomes a non-issue, but the threat of annihilation will always be in existence for as long as man remains on this globe of rock and metal circling through space.
Firstly, while nothing will ever stop mans inherent drive to achieve material possession, the elimination of destitution and poverty among all of humanity is a worthy goal. Achieving that goal however, is a task which all societies have attempted to undertake and which none have yet succeeded in doing. Most if not all of the conflicts in modern society come from the lack of whatever resource may be needed for humans to live comfortable lives according to their own standards. From a simple mugging on the streets of a city to the full-scale invasion of another nation at the cost of countless lives, all of these terrible occurrences have the same origin: lack of something, or the unwillingness of others to give up whatever that something may be. Humans have had desires since the emergence of our species as all living beings do, the desire to feed, drink, mate and so on, and these desires are normal and natural and cause very little change in the natural status quo. As society has progressed however, these desires have become more abstract and more damaging to the natural world. Desire for money for example leads to the need to mine for precious metals which creates a host of difficulties, environmental damage and disruption in the lives of people and animals for the sake of some shiny metal. The elimination of desire by way of creating total equality would be the most simple and reasonable means to assuring the well being of all members of society, but as has been proven many times by societies that attempt to institute such systems, humans will always desire more than their fair share. There will always be bullies and cheaters in society, the lazy will always be lazy and lackadaisical, and their actions will eventually lead to the downfall of such a system. For this reason then, the only way to help to eliminate want is to use any excess we have to help others in society. Again, I know that many are unable to or will refuse to help others due to their own situation or beliefs, but if just a few went about performing such acts of charity, and continued to act thus throughout the course of their lives, then there would over time be a conversion by the rest of society to this more generous way of living.
Secondly, the damage which has been done to our planetary biosphere is of paramount importance in this day and age. Primitive and dirty industrial techniques which existed in earlier centuries started a trend the consequences of which we are only now beginning to realize, and it is vital that we halt such practices before we can cause any further destruction. Reliance upon non-renewable resources is fraught with peril that can be seen clearly by any who chooses to look at the facts. As was stated above, the driving force behind most of our actions is want of something, and if something as vital as oil were to vanish with society in its present state of dependence, then there would be global chaos the likes of which our species has never seen. As the last drops ran dry, there would be violence as people try to keep their various machines working. Later there would be famine as the machines which humankind uses to tend their crops becomes unusable and the fields wither. Millions would die as a result of such a catastrophe, but here for once, mankind has seen the danger coming, and has begun its slow about turn towards more feasible forms of energy production. Yet the wants of those who stand to make a profit impede them at every turn, arguing, blocking and fighting for the sake of a few numbers on a balance sheet. Our culture has developed sufficient technology to survive such a loss, but has not had sufficient interest in it or need for it to market it any further. Humanities actions’ regarding energy sources has been akin to a child let loose in a sweet shop with an unlimited amount of money and time, we have charged around eating bits and pieces from all, but are now scrambling for the dregs of the easiest sources and must soon begin searching for better ones. As such, it is imperative to buy those items which may run on resources which we can afford to keep using in such a wanton manner as we have in centuries past.
Thirdly and finally, those problems which do not arise from want are often caused by intolerance, impatience, misunderstanding and stereotyping within the depths of the human psyche. I must therefore make a plea, as many have before me to stop the hideous attitudes that have developed over the course of humanities existence and try to understand one another in a peaceful manner. As we all came from a common group of ancestors, the idea of any race being superior to another is ludicrous, and any injustices committed with race as the excuse are among the foulest of deeds in existence. Neither should there be disparity between the sexes, neither is any better or worse than the other, both are required for the continued existence of our species. There are certain physiological differences which may cause dissimilarities in what a person may be capable of, but we are all members of the same species and therefore there should be no difference in treatment between men and women anywhere in this world. More ridiculous and terrible than any discrimination based upon race or gender however, are discriminations based upon religious creed. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and many more, and a seemingly infinite number of splinter groups within those faiths, all work constantly and consistently against the unity and betterment of humanity as a whole by way of their constant and never ceasing feuds. Splinter groups destroy one another, religions despise one another and people are left dead on all sides. Discrimination due to faith is the most ridiculous, terrible and pointless form of cruelty, and I urge everyone to cast of the shackles of the ideas that have bound your minds and listen and think free of any such encumbrances. In debating with someone, people should remember that there is an option seldom considered that may bring a peaceful resolution to the argument, agreeing to disagree. If neither side is willing to change their viewpoint at the behest of the other and if there is no room to maneuver in the confines of the argument simply choose to disagree and progress as a whole. Do not allow such petty philosophical questions disrupt possible cordial relationships with others if those others are unwilling to change to your satisfaction. If humanity were to be more accepting of differences, less inclined to violence and wanton destruction, and more inclined towards peaceful cooperation and understanding, then perhaps we may see a happier and brighter future.
Yet I fear that that dream may be impossible, humanity has never ceased fighting, nor does it seem inclined to stop now. The difference between the battles waged by our ancestors and those waged today, is the sheer scale of the losses incurred by either side. People are present in nearly every corner of the globe, and all are part of a larger whole, and those wholes are parts of still larger wholes and so on. Villages, towns, cities, nations, continents, planets, all are teeming with life and all are at risk if we continue the way we have done for the past eight millennia. The total annihilation of intolerance and want, coupled with greater environmental responsibility may be the only way out for our species, a seemingly impossible way out. One hopes that they are proved wrong and that humanity does become better as a whole, more responsible, less inclined to acts of violence and genocide, more accepting and more capable of dealing with a highly uncertain future.
CalxVaccus
