We all want the same thing. We all want Earth to be a full
time vacation resort catering just to me. That’s what every single human dreams
of. And we could have it. We could have it if we gave it to ourselves. We don’t
choose that because dichotomy fails to build consensus.
On the one hand, I believe that humans do not and will not
possess the capacity, as a species, to treat each other decently and fairly in
a consistent show of good will over time.
On the other hand, I believe that humans possess the potential
to develop the capacity to treat each other decently and fairly in a consistent
show of good will over time.
When I believe the first, the logical world view for me
leads to actions designed to streamline my own experience to take best
advantage of all the world can offer me. This is survival mode. What’s the
point of caring what happens to people who fail where I succeed? Isn’t it up to
them to figure out this world, just like me? Further, I will support subjugation, force and power-based behaviour control structures for people who threaten my success. It's the only way to control the beasts.
When I believe in humanity's potential, I may still decide I am not
responsible for, nor do I care about, its long-term prospects, since I’m
only here a short time. What’s it got to do with me, what all this looks like
in 95 years? In 300, or 1000? Maybe I think, the trainwreck is inevitable now,
might as well enjoy the ride as best I can.
For many, it’s hard to enjoy success built through the widespread
misery and exploitation of human souls. Rationalizing that it’s inevitable and
not my problem may suffice for some people, for some time. And then, there’s those of us who
just can’t leave it alone. Like picking a scab. The world’s insecurity mars the
happiness of my otherwise wonderful life.
And so I stubbornly hold space for the belief that humans
possess the potential to develop capacity towards peaceful and pleasant
co-existence on this planet. There is ample evidence, considering where we’ve
been and the long way to go, to support the idea that our species is evolving
increased consciousness and capability for peace. Of course, the process is
likely to take 200 years or longer. Perhaps I’m optimistic, or maybe I’m a
pessimist in disguise.
Why does it matter to me? If all of this is true, I will be
dead and never see the fruits of any labours I commit to encouraging peace
among my neighbours and the humans of the planet earth. I am a drop in the
bucket, a nothing, compared with the vast systems I am forced to learn and
manipulate as best I can to thrive. I want to thrive. Giant vacation resort
dedicated to me, remember? Why should I care?
Either I feel it, or I don’t. First I have to notice
it, to decide whether I will allow that feeling in. Because once it’s in, the
sense of responsibility, it settles itself and takes over the operating system.
Feel it, or don’t. Every moment we choose. One day at a time.
When I feel responsible, the logical world view for me leads
to actions designed to encourage people to behave decently and fairly in a
consistent show of good will, at some point in humanity’s distant or
not-so-distant future. Like most achievement, the amount of time or energy I put into supporting
humanity varies depending on the strength of my belief (conviction), my security (bravery)
and capacity (means).
And a step comes naturally next, from there, to hold both
truths together – that humanity is capable of peaceful co-existence, and that
humanity is not capable of peaceful co-existence. How the latter holds true
becomes the work of the former for those who choose to feel their part.
Feel, not think.
And so a hop, skip and a jump to understanding it doesn't really matter, that pursuing
what excites my soul serves to awaken those who know me, those who notice me, regardless of whether I owe or I flow.
That more people being noticeable, living in uncertainty as truth, can be the key to
maintaining this evolutionary path towards peace, despite our burgeoning
population’s influence in the other direction. For the first time in history,
we can deliberately harness an evolutionary trend. Cool, huh? (but I digress…or
not).
