well said. ironically, we'll find more reasons for optimism in this needed radical change as the economic recession-depression manifests later this year. humans often find their collective voice when being forced to adapt to hardship and scarcity.
The question to my mind is whether ideologies shape reality or reality creates ideologies. It is probably a bit of both, but access to fossil fuels has shaped our perception of the world. The question is whether we can change it without first getting rid of fossil fuels. I do not know.
Reality inspires perspective and perspective creates ideology, perhaps. We will have to change whilst engaging with fossil fuels, which means reimagining our relationship with energy. I think all these paradigm shifts are possible given the great ideological inversions throughout history. But where's the big red button?
It strikes me that Left and Right in political terms is an outdated shorthand for othering those you don't agree with. The left, for so long considered spawn of communism by its opponents, has largely moved on from its rigid and confrontational assertions and the right, once unified by its reverence for the institutions of its homeland and its sense of benign patriarchy, has now splintered with its core power base nakedly pursuing the enrichment of itself and the financial womb from which it sprang. We seem, now, to be in the era of community versus individuality where 'community' is not just those with whom you work or live beside but includes all those who are affected by what you do. In the same (but lesser) way as the constant playing of loud music causes annoyance to your neighbour the purchase of some cheaper clothing in the UK may support the slave-like employment of someone in Asia and the purchase of a packet of biscuits may have depleted the earth's resources and supported the destruction of rain forests. This is simplicity of me versus the complexity of us. This why relationships are difficult but rewarding if we accept our own shortcomings and pledge to talk about the things that we love about the other as well the things that irritate us. We all need the connection with others. It is the fear of connection that may make some choose the alternative.
well said. ironically, we'll find more reasons for optimism in this needed radical change as the economic recession-depression manifests later this year. humans often find their collective voice when being forced to adapt to hardship and scarcity.
The question to my mind is whether ideologies shape reality or reality creates ideologies. It is probably a bit of both, but access to fossil fuels has shaped our perception of the world. The question is whether we can change it without first getting rid of fossil fuels. I do not know.
Reality inspires perspective and perspective creates ideology, perhaps. We will have to change whilst engaging with fossil fuels, which means reimagining our relationship with energy. I think all these paradigm shifts are possible given the great ideological inversions throughout history. But where's the big red button?
It strikes me that Left and Right in political terms is an outdated shorthand for othering those you don't agree with. The left, for so long considered spawn of communism by its opponents, has largely moved on from its rigid and confrontational assertions and the right, once unified by its reverence for the institutions of its homeland and its sense of benign patriarchy, has now splintered with its core power base nakedly pursuing the enrichment of itself and the financial womb from which it sprang. We seem, now, to be in the era of community versus individuality where 'community' is not just those with whom you work or live beside but includes all those who are affected by what you do. In the same (but lesser) way as the constant playing of loud music causes annoyance to your neighbour the purchase of some cheaper clothing in the UK may support the slave-like employment of someone in Asia and the purchase of a packet of biscuits may have depleted the earth's resources and supported the destruction of rain forests. This is simplicity of me versus the complexity of us. This why relationships are difficult but rewarding if we accept our own shortcomings and pledge to talk about the things that we love about the other as well the things that irritate us. We all need the connection with others. It is the fear of connection that may make some choose the alternative.