Culture Change Letter #206, Oct. 18, 2008
Society's sad and terminal state is not an abstraction of issues or dollars. It is the wasted human potential of the intelligent, charitable individual who is stifled and hemmed in. Yet, our many wonderful members of society are creatures of artificial "comfort." Convenience comes at costs such as cancer and heart disease that were rare diseases until the last hundred years. Forced by the present economy to be self-centered, we also suppress our creativity and innate potential for triumphing over a clear threat.
For the most part the modern human being labors in exchange for essentials handed over at whatever the market will bear. Food, shelter and clothing are not won or collected from nature, or in cooperation with helpful tribe members, but rather obtained in exchange for becoming a kind of slave. Neuroses from overcrowding are apparent, but none dare call it overpopulation.
Peacenik can't remember the hippies call to action or non-action. This essay has echoes of it though, and though it is generally downbeat it has a glimmer of hope. Times are changing and maybe society's reaction won't be all bad. Turn on, tune in, drop out. That's it. As a matter of fact Peacenik is going off-grid for the weekend. Have a good weekend.
