by Olaf » Thu 13 Sep 2007, 10:30:24
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Heineken', 'Y')our comments reflect the ambiguity many of us feel about this dire subject, Olaf.
As a species, I don't think we can think our way out of this one. On the other hand, thinking and attitude may be very helpful for adaptable individuals for quite some time.
Ultimately fate has a way of zeroing in on individuals, no matter what they think or do. That truth comes through in McCarthy's "The Road." There will be one road, and it will lead to one place.
I agree with this sentiment completely. It is all very ambiguous. Sort of a; "What's coming? I don't know, but it's big" kind of deal. That of course makes it difficult to plan what to do.
In the big picture, I don't think we are going to be able to implement an adequate strategy to mitigate what will be some sort of standard of living and consumption decline; including a shrinking population. This will leave it up to pockets of individuals and small communities with the appropriate thought processes and attitudes to muddle their way through it all while trying to not be dead. Since we aren't quite sure what IT will be that needs muddled through, a positive (or perhaps resolute is better) attitude and flexibility will be good characteristics to have. My hope is that as a race, we reconnect with the idea that we are OF this world, not above it, and adjust our paradigms accordingly. I may live to see that, and I may not, but f*ck if I ain't gonna try.
One of my favorite quotes, unfortunately I don't know the source, is:
"Someone once asked me, 'Why do you insist on taking the hard road'?, and I replied, 'Why do you assume I see two roads'"?
Olafr