Awakening From Your Anger

Category: My Stance to Global Warming

  • Current Status 20250719

    My apology to those who are interested in my blog. I have been very remiss in keeping it up to date; I intend to resolve this.

    In September 2025, I am going to a 5-day workshop entitled Elder’s Rites of Passage, a process further to the Men’s Rites of Passage which I attended in 2017. Both workshops come out of the work of Richard Rohr, a Franciscan monk who for many years has directed the Centre for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque NM. More than ten years ago, Richard turned this work over directly for the men of Illuman to continue; i have been apart of Illuman since 2016. The work has added greatly to my life.

    At age 82, I have long considered myself an Elder, especially in my role as psychotherapist, but I have not pursued the process in a group setting. It is time for me to do so, especially in the sense that a major focus of the Elder’s Rites is the question of “What is mine to do?” (A friend pointed out a very useful reframe here when he suggested a better focus of “What is mine to contribute? — thereby emphasizing the relational aspect of the question!)

    It is an important question for me, one that has repeatedly challenged me in my life. I am frequently caught between my strong hermit/poustinik nature and my desire to contribute. So at this time, I am intending a deep dive into the question.

    One aspect is that I intend to revise this blog, this time successfully. Anyone who has followed the history of this blog is aware that it was, for a number of years, called The Human Side of Global Warming. Then it was the opportunity for me to expand upon my many reflections on anger/emotional management, essential studies on how we fail to resolve climate change. We are still at that point of failing to resolve, although there has been major improvement in renewable energy resources and how we manage energy. Yet we need so much more in the complexity of climate change.

    Six months ago, I started to revise the blog but failed to mobilize myself enough. Past of the difficulty has been I had too many irons in the fire. First I was busy with studies in Theology — I now have a Diploma in Theological Studies. Those of you who have followed me likely know that I am deeply spiritual, a mystic with a background in many religions, principally Christianity; I strongly believe that a sense of spiritual journey is essential to human maturity yet much of religiosity has sabotaged such journey (fortunately there are major exceptions).

    I have also spent an inordinate amount of time (and money) attempting to promote (also without success) my two books Blowing Out the Darkness: The Management of Emotional Life Issues, Especially Anger and Rage and Acedia, The Darkness Within: and the darkness of Climate Change. I have ended this process (elsewhere — see About>Testimonials — I provide some of the highly positive feedback I received on these two books). In additional, the death of a dear friend who managed my website stalled my process such that I have given up my website. All of this added to a sense of discouragement.

    I am now ready to resume. Initially there will be a considerable modification of the appearance of the blog (that may require a . I don’t yet know how the new blog will develop. I likely will still emphasize emotional management and there will be a greater focus on spiritual journey in action.

    We are still in deep trouble as a culture. I intend to be part of the contribution to healing.

  • Apologies

    Indeed. I have gotten far too busy with a Theology course (massive reading) likely until April.

    I will return. Anger Management is far too important in our culture.

    Dave

  • Feedback on my Books: Acedia, the Darkness Within

    Acedia, The Darkness Within

    I have continued to promote my books as I still want to have an impact, and I believe what I have written is important.

    My publisher, Ewings Publishing, suggested I hire some professional reviewers who would provide independent objective assessment of my writings. Attached are these assessments.

    The disclaimer provided notes:

    Book Viewpoint Critic

    Overview

    Our book review service comprises a team of readers with a keen eye and genuine passion, for providing thorough reviews to authors, publishers, and literary agents. Recognizing the impact reviews can have on the success of a book we are committed to delivering quality, objective feedback aimed at helping books realize their full potential.

    The Critics

    Our review panel consists of book enthusiasts with an appreciation for literature and a sharp eye for detail in writing. Comprising critics, published authors, librarians, and avid readers, our diverse team ensures a rounded and comprehensive review process from day one. Each reviewer is carefully selected based on their expertise in genres or themes to ensure that every book receives a critique, from someone who truly understands its nuances and context. 

    Disclaimer

    Please be aware: even as we work hard to provide holistic, constructive reviews, all opinions of the external reviewers are strictly subjective and based on the reading experience of the reviewer. Reviews imply value and informational feedback but never guarantee or promise a particular result. Moreover, all reviews are done with integrity and honesty, and our service payment is not biased at all on the outcome of the reviews. The feedback shall only be one of the various tools that authors and publishers use to fine-tune their work.

    Promotional Evaluations: These evaluations are tailored for marketing purposes. Can be used on covers, websites, and promotional materials to enhance book sales.

    Feedback on Acedia, The Darkness Within, and the darkness of Climate Change. (Metairie, LA: The Ewings Publishing LLC, 2023), https://davidmacquarriebooks.com

    Acedia: The Darkness Within

    by

    Dave MacQuarrie

    “Acedia: The Darkness Within” by MacQuarrie is both enlightening and urgent in pointing out acedia. With an interest in battling the depths of human psychology, the truths he writes about psychological avoidance of life’s challenges come very frankly and deeply. Here in this book, he provides much-needed experiential takes on where modern discontent begins and why our emotional underpinnings are linked with cultural and environmental crises. MacQuarrie provides a compelling narrative that is transformative in view toward the addressing and overcoming of pervasive issues.”

    Eliza Montgomery, Book Enthusiast

    “Acedia; The Darkness Within makes an impact, on the conversation about climate change. MacQuarrie effectively connects our challenges to profound spiritual matters offering readers a fresh perspective on sustainability issues. This remarkable book is a must-read for anyone seeking insight, into the underlying aspects of our problems that are often overlooked.”

    Ethan Sullivan, Environmentalist

    “Indeed, the synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern psychological theory in “Acedia: The Darkness Within” by MacQuarrie does impress. The depth of this book lies in the fact that it makes us start over in re-attitude towards personal and social well-being. MacQuarrie furrows deep emotional and cognitive processes standing in the way of our progress. Worthily stimulating at an intellectual level, it is a piece of information usefully applicable to real life. Herein, as much for the learned philosopher as for the layman, MacQuarrie provides a unique perspective that provokes deep study and examination into our collective and individual behaviors in these trying times.”

    Clara Pennington, Philosophy Blogger

    “Tracing the history of acedia from its early Christian origins to modern secular forms, MacQuarrie offers in ‘Acedia: The Darkness Within’ a rich historical view that is at once informative and thought-provoking. He explores how the concept has evolved over the centuries with great care, shedding light on that which bears the impression of an ancient concept on human behavior and social development. MacQuarrie performs an in-depth analysis that not only allows exploration of historical setting but also links past understandings of acedia to contemporary concerns. Therefore, his work turns into a helpful tool for history enthusiasts, cultural scholars, and everyone interested in understanding the intricacies of human nature and the resurfacing of acedia in contemporary times. A really eye-opening book to all those interested in the nexus of history, psychology, and culture.

    Gareth Langley, History Buff

    “MacQuarrie is an erudite, and in this book, he profusely gives his practical advice on the way out of acedia. His touting of wisdom, playfulness, and discipline is in key with current thinking regarding how effective self-help should be conducted. This book provides some concrete, workable strategies to effect real change in everyday life. I would highly recommend it to all those contemplating personal growth and well-being.”

    Sophia Whitmore, Self-Help Blogger

    “Acedia: The Darkness Within offers a deeply spiritual exploration of the pervasive modern problem. Thoughtful integration of theological concepts with a challenge of modernity places MacQuarrie’s work at the top tier of documents in the spirituality genre. He weaves through ancient wisdom and today’s urgent problems to offer readers an in-depth insight into how acedia has undermined contemporary living. Any serious-minded person concerned with deeper levels at the juncture of spirituality and the modern, looming existential crises should read this book.”

    James Carlisle, Spirituality Blogger and Writer

    “MacQuarrie’s urgent and inspiring appeal to address climate change is highlighted in this book, which not only diagnoses acedia but also offers steps, for transformation. It is a must-read for activists and individuals who care about the environment offering insights, into the psychological factors underlying our environmental crisis.”

    Isabel Carter, Environmental Activist

    “Of all the ideas shared, MacQuarrie’s insight into the nature of choice and the place of wisdom was the most valuable to me as an avid educationist. In his book ‘Acedia: The Darkness Within’, he writer delves deep into psychology and philosophy as far as decision making and personal growth are concerned. This should be recommended reading for all teachers because it provides in-depth views on implanting wisdom, resilience, and emotional intelligence in children. It is an important source that educators need to motivate and advise the emerging generation effectively.”

    Henry Beckett, Education Blogger

    “It is in ‘Acedia: The Darkness Within’ that MacQuarrie’s deep understanding of the emotional mind and his creative therapeutic approaches come into their own. Herein lies a useful book about the whims of human behavior and emotional well-being. It is an essential read for mental health advocates and professionals alike, particularly in the real strategies it gives for facing and overcoming the challenges of acedia in modern life.”

    Olivia Kline, Mental Health Advocate

    “MacQuarrie’s revelation of how acedia impacts leadership and health of organizations is a matter of eye-opening knowledge. In ‘Acedia: The Darkness Within’, he investigates how this ancient concept affects modern leadership practices and the general wellness of organizations. This book is timely for all those involved in the development of leadership and corporate training since it comes with hands-on strategies to promote work environments that are healthier and more resilient. MacQuarrie’s work is fertile ground in the category, challenging leaders to deal with emotional and psychological human issues forming the base for organizational success and sustainability.”

    Marion Blake, Leadership Consultant

  • Climate Truth

    PostTruth2This post presents a number of the links I have recently encountered, articles I think are important in speaking truth to what I perceive. And as usual, I am hesitant to post them — it is so easy to be overloaded with too much information these days.

    I find also that the climate conversations are evolving. I attended a webinar a few nights ago by Smart Politics (https://www.joinsmart.org/) — overall I was impressed. It is American, based mainly in California (I think), and presented a good process for engaging, followed by a good discussion — certainly I would recommend to anyone in the States. It is different from yet similar to the process I will be leading with the Suzuki Elders at the end of this month (Climate Change Conversations: How To Have Them Without Everyone Walking Out Of The Room, Vancouver, 20190228).

    On the positive side —

    The Transformative Power of Climate Truth (20190204)

    An excellent summary of the power of speaking the truth, especially in the nature of climate disruption. As readers of this blog will know, I am an advocate of The Climate Mobilization; momentum for this organization and its partners is evolving.

    Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal Is a Product of Youth Uprising (20190208)

    The need for major overhaul of the political situation is being recognized. Perhaps it is the beginning of transformation of capitalism and neoliberalism. Perhaps. Will we do so in time to avert disaster?

    On the other side —

    When Europeans Colonized the Americas, They Killed So Many That the Earth’s Climate Cooled (20190203)

    A fascinating interplay between colonialism and global warming. Sad.

    There’s a Big Hole in the World’s Most Important Glacier. Yes, It’s a Problem. (20190205)

    As usual, things are worse than we thought.

    The World Is on the Brink of Widespread Water Wars (20190211)

    Another way in which things are worse. We are so close to collapse. As noted above, will we create a new cultural process in time to make a difference?

    Plummeting insect numbers ‘threaten collapse of nature’ (20190211)

    Yet another. What else can I say?

    Predominantly neutral (is anything neutral in this theme?) —

    How the greenwashing campaign works (20190212)

    How can we measure the climate risk of methane gas emissions- (20190212)

    What the methane industry doesn’t want you—or lawmakers—to know (20190212)

    This series of articles on methane, the principle component of natural gas, speaks to the complexity of assessing data as well as the interpretation of data, some of which is almost certainly disinformation.

  • How Then Shall We Live?

    CogDiss01In my reading today I encountered a truly outstanding description of how one man chooses to live with Climate Change, something that will affect all our lives. Dahr Jamail’s commentary As the Climate Collapses, We Ask: “How Then Shall We Live? (20190204, the first of a series) touches me deeply, both for his honesty and for his depth of knowledge and understanding. He is one of a small group of journalists in whom I have a deep sense of trust as to his integrity. (Joe Rohm is another source that I trust for his knowledge and his integrity.)

    Jamail writes for TruthOut on climate issues and I recommend all his writings. I have recently ordered his book The End Of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption (20190122). I will undoubtedly be reporting on this in a later blog.

    As I write these words, I also have a moment of profound cognitive dissonance. I am slowly reading Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed To Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken, a very well-researched description of 100 substantive solutions to reverse global warming. I also think of the DVD Tomorrow (2015) that I watched a few weeks ago, a video that deeply impressed me with its hopeful message of creative responses to climate issues.

    Thus I simultaneously hold the honest searching and sadness of what we have done and do to our planet together with the incredible creativity that is available. All this with the recognition of how powerless we are to deal with the insanity of capitalism and neoliberalism, the power dynamics that run our system.

    It truly reminds me to be humble of the limited yet important ways in which I can contribute.

    Other articles worth reading:

    Jamail writes a regular series of articles for TruthOut, many of which can be found under Climate Disruption Dispatches or his website http://www.dahrjamail.net/.

    The most dangerous climate feedback loop is speeding up (Joe Rohm, 20190117)

    And on the flip side:

    Opinion: Our house is on fire, and many Albertans want more lighters (20181229)

    A very clear presentation of the options for Albertans. What I find fascinating is the number of ad hominin attacks in the Commentary section, an indication of the amount of toxic discourse (as noted in the past few posts).

  • Ways To Contribute

    Contribution6I have my finger in a lot of pots these days, all in an attempt to find ways to contribute my skill set to the issues of global warming. Currently I strive to be a background resource to others as I generally exhaust myself when I over-commit myself. I generally function best as a devil’s advocate, gently challenging others to stretch into their own skill set; I don’t function well in groups unless I have designated tasks to complete (or can function as devil’s advocate).

    It has been a while since I have done a post, and periodically I have thought to get back to same. Mainly I have been sorting how best for me to respond to issues, as noted above, above all seeking a way to be at peace with the stresses of modernity.

    I do a lot. Amongst other ways to contribute, I do a Listening Ministry at one of the church missions of the Downtown EastSide of Vancouver, the major district of homelessness and drug crime. I’m also part of the Social Justice committee of the same mission where we are current advocates for drug decriminalization. I am engaged in an international men’s organization (Illuman.org) and promote a variety of virtual men’s groups orientated to vulnerability and spirituality. I facilitate a Soul Matters group at the local Unitarian Church, exploring a variety of issues such as Awe, Vision, and Mystery. And I contribute to a Suzuki Elder Salon development of how to engage in difficult conversations. I used to also provide low grade security in Vancouver via the Peace Bearers organization — usually for crowd scenes orientated to demonstrations regarding global warming (my low back pain unfortunately led to limitations here).

    I do all this because I am deeply aware of how precarious is the nature of human survival in this super-wicked difficulty of climate change and ecological threat. I actually have little hope we will survive as a species, and no hope our civilization will survive.

    But I do not function from hope — I function from intention.

    High intention; low expectation

    This is the only way I have found to stay out of despair as to what we are doing on this planet. I have said many times to myself and to others that, as individuals we are capable of immense greatness, but as a species we are psychotic.

    From my perspective, we need ways to shift this human dynamic at a species level. I have basically spent the second half of my life (from 40 to 65) as therapist learning to do so at the individual level, and in retirement wanted to tackle the societal level — wherein I came much more aware of my own limitations in contribution. But it did not mean that I would give up contributing.

    I contribute because authenticity in relationship with others has become my best way to function with this insanity, and perhaps the only way in which we will find a path through the next hundred years. It is my wish that others find a way through their own despair and acedia so that we come to common ground in how we deal with the coming years.

    The following links speak to these thoughts of mine.

    How Extreme Weather Is Shrinking the Planet (20181126)

    An excellent report by Bill McKibben (350.org) regarding the current state of global warming as well as the complexity of human relations over the past 60 years.

    Finding Hope in Hopelessness (20181123)

    Margaret Wheatley reflects on loss of hope, and yet finding her own stance to contribute within hopelessness.

    I’d rather die than feel this. (20180608, reprinted from 2014)

    An excellent article on why some choose suicide as a resolution of their pain. It reminds me of the spate of celebrity suicides (Robin Williams and Anthony Bourdain as examples) as well as the numerous deaths within the Fentanyl crisis.

    The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) and the Legacy Museum

    I’ve currently finished a brief workshop on White Supremacy Culture, part of a presentation within the Unitarian Church I attend. I hate the term White Supremacy and yet I recognize that the destructiveness of the immense power and privilege issues that have dominated European culture (and thus world culture) for the past 500 years (or more, perhaps as long ago as the origin of what we call civilization). Somehow we need to do much more in the nature of multi-cultural restoration.

    The Fortune-Teller (20181105)

    “how to save the world” is a blog written by a local BC resident, often regarding his chronicle of civilization’s collapse. Overall I find it well-written with interesting reflections (although from the perspective of a staunch materialist — not my preferred ontology). I especially like his present comment: “Lemonade is everywhere. Wisdom is scarce.”

    The Role Harassment Plays in Climate Change Denial (20181102)

    We are becoming more and more divisive as a culture, especially in the United States but also Canada. I assume it is simply a harbinger of the stresses of our current world, but it does not bode well for resolution of issues. I have long maintained that cultural anger is the canary in the coalmine of our demise.

    Is Civility A Sham? (201810 TED Salon)

    Why It’s Worth Listening To People We Disagree With (201804 TED2018)

    How To Have Better Political Conversations (201609 TEDx Marin)

    Three brief videos that look at the difficulty of conversation in divisive areas. They stress the need for basic civility and meeting the other in their worldview, all important points in coming to common ground. They all seem to operate from the presupposition that if the other person/people feel respected and acknowledged, then the other will want to find common ground — likely true in many cases.

    What is missing for me is what to do when the other has no interest in finding common ground — this is the central breakdown point for me, especially when the other has powerful influence on the outcome (corporations, the fossil fuel industry, et cetera). Our culture usually operates from the seeking of consensus — and the weakness of consensus is that terrorists are not interested in consensus.

    In this regard, I am currently reading Deep Green Resistance, a book which delimits the need for resistance beyond the attempt to achieve consensus. It is quite a dense read, and likely I will eventually describe it in greater detail in this blog. For now, I recommend it as an important study in the complexity of change.

  • Who Cares?

    Compassion4I have recently begun to explore Unitarian-Univeralism (UU), a very inclusive “church” structure that requires no dogmatic belief system and yet recognizes the human need for community and the search for meaning, the need for caring and the questing of “Who Cares?” In particular, I invite the reader to view a recent sermon at the local UU church A Big Tent with Even Bigger Dreams[1] (20180506), one that I thought was profound (as well as very humorous).

    For my part, UU (in its profound inclusivity) represents the possibility of mature community, an essential component of cultural transformation (of which I have written many posts in this blog — see this series). I find a number of aspects of the local church, the North Shore Unitarians, to have deep appeal for me; I also have the intuition (and hope) that these aspects are to be found throughout the UU system.

    • They are deeply inclusive. In particular, I have found them very welcoming, and very open to diversity, especially the LGBTQQIP2SAA community and any other source of divisiveness in community.
      • A significant quote from the above sermon is “we honor this truth by encouraging our members to reflect on the Light through whatever set of windows they find most illuminating. We only require that this same freedom be honored for others.”
    • They recognize the incredible destructiveness that “religion” has played in the world.
      • I have a friend who is atheist and strongly against religion, yet from my perspective he does not seem to recognize “religion” as simply a cultural lens, and that its implications range from the very immature (including much of Christian history as well as modern fundamentalism, both Christian and Muslim) to the very mature. I totally agree with him in his disparagement of Christianity when expressed via fundamentalism, and I also deeply value the mature expression of religion when I find it. Mature religion for me is not a set of beliefs, rather it is a way of approaching life with compassion to all its complexity.
    • They are very open to questioning the meaning of life.
      • For the past year, the Church has been running a series of discussion groups called Wounded Words (words such as sin, salvation, god, prayer) in an attempt to recognize how divisive these words have been (and continue to be).

    The main emphasis that I have seen is that UU encourages the recognition that we all search for meaning and that we are all in the same boat! We must learn to value “making sure there’s room for another to come sit next to me, even if, especially if, they make me uncomfortable . . . . with such a big tent [that] we don’t even agree on the words to use to describe it.”

    There is for me something deep within the heart of all human beings that searches for meaning; maturity for me means that of being willing to sit in the mystery that this represents. Those who claim certainty are at high risk of fundamentalism, and the abuses of religion — this I distrust.

    To give my answer to the basic question of this post, those who care are those who continue to search, allowing others also to search. I honor all who do, including the UU church.

    [1] Hartlief, M. (20180506). A Big Tent With Even Bigger Dreams, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNB–Aa5KWo, published 20180507.

  • Witnessing The Process

    nvcd2I’ve just returned from a planning session on how to resist the Kinder-Morgan pipeline expansion in the Vancouver area; typical of me, in my uncertainty as to how to contribute, I was mainly witnessing the process.

    For those unfamiliar with the Kinder-Morgan project, it is a $7.4-billion construction project of pipeline expansion over a 1,100-kilometer route, and will increase pipeline capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels of oil per day. It will end at Burrard Inlet at the northern edge of Burnaby and Vancouver, and will require construction through both cities. The fuel will then be transported internationally via the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland (an environmentally sensitive area). It also represents a major addition to the fossil fuel load created by Canada, although that carbon source will then be transported to other Pacific countries, and thus does not appear as a direct load on Canada.

    The pipeline passes through many indigenous lands (actually unceeded territories since for the most part no “treaties” have ever been signed) — many or all of which communities object to the project. The cities of Burnaby and Vancouver also object. To my knowledge, the federal and provincial governments have approved the projects despite these objections, and many court challenges are current. For my part, I was deeply disappointed by the duplicity of the Liberal government which initially promised major revision of the issues of global warming — as such there has been far more talk than action.

    I believe that there is a huge need for non-violent civil disobedience in these kinds of issues, but I am also somewhat discouraged by this. For the most part, although we have advanced in many ways as to how we value human beings (feminism, racism, education, et cetera), most of the advances have only been on the surface — we have not done the deeper shift in maturity that will be necessary to overcome our latest challenge, that of world degradation as manifest by global warming, let alone the other issues. I have long been impressed by David Suzuki’s honesty in naming the fundamental failure of environmentalism, although I imagine others have written equally honestly about our other failures.

    In my discouragement, I believe that much of non-violent civil disobedience merely serves to provide a mechanism to release the emotional tension felt by the oppressed. For the most part, the interplay between oppressed and oppressors simply becomes a game of chess as each party maneuvers to achieve advantage in a never-ending game of duplicity. Certainly on the part of the oppressed, there are many well-intentioned and intelligent persons, but I am not convinced that we achieve a great deal. Meanwhile the bulk of people stand back in apparent apathy. Sad.

    Carlos Castaneda, a “cult” writer of the 70s, once presented a great concept (amongst others) for me: A warrior stands in the middle of the road, waiting. By that, I believe he meant that we each must do our personal best, and then let life do what it will. I’m learning to just trust that — in my language, if Creator wants me to do other than Witness, the opportunity will come. Despair, for me, then becomes a waste of energy, attempting to push the river – it flows by itself.

    Some interesting links for the week:

    The Transformative Power of Climate Truth (201710)

    A comprehensive and important document from the only organization (to my knowledge) truly committed to cooperative mobilization on the scale necessary to resolve the issues of global warming.

    U.S. climate report leaves little room for doubt (20171109)

    As David Suzuki points out, the report did not receive much attention — presumably, simply another report as to the state of the disaster — a non-issue in the current political scene. Sad.

    America is facing an epistemic crisis (20171002)

    Initially this article is confusing, but it then presents a fascinating study of the question: “What if Mueller proves his case, and it doesn’t matter?” Another suggestion in support of the theme that civilization is about power, and who wields it.

    100% renewable electricity in reach by 2050 (20171108)

    We are capable of resolving the issues. Will we?

    Paleo Politics (20171101)

    An interesting link supporting the contention that “civilization” is fundamentally an issue of power dynamics, something I have written about in other posts.

  • The Need For A Coup, Part 1

    Complexity3I said in my last post that I would consider the possibility of a coup. At some level, I truly accept that the need for a coup is the only way in which humanity will survive. I’m not a historian, nor a philosopher, nor do I have a military background, so what follows will simply be my random thoughts regarding the issues that confront us as a civilization.

    First, as noted in my original first post of this blog (see my home page), Laszlo (in Evolution: The General Theory, 1996) wrote that we are in a cascade of crises, and that we must extend ourselves into a new maturity, else we will likely perish as a species (or at least as a civilization). I also recall from my PhD research, Toynbee in A Study Of History (1946) considered that in the failing of civilizations, new ones arise at the periphery (of the old collapsing civilization) wherein a small group arises who both represents a new energy of purpose while espousing a new religion, meanwhile opposed by the old tyranny. In my dissertation, I suggested that the small group was the Cultural Creatives and the new religion was our maturing relationship with ecology. The current difficulty with both the Cultural Creatives and the ecology movement, though, is that they are disorganized, and do not present a coordinated front to oppose the oppressive forces of our current civilization. Furthermore, this past century is the first occurrence in which we as a species have come to be both a global village and a power dynamic capable of altering the dynamics of the entire ecosystem of our world; there is essentially no periphery for a new civilization — we must confront the center of the old.

    I also noted in my posts about power (beginning 2016-08-16) that civilization(s) arose because the human species came into relationship with power, a relationship different from that of all other previous species. Schmookler in The Parable Of The Tribes[1] indicated that “our destructiveness as a species and of our current culture . . . is a simple consequence of our creativity, a tragedy representative of the inevitable options for power” — and that there is “no way to return the dangerous djinni of human power back into the bottle.” In addition, “The laws of man require power, for power can [only] be controlled with power. The challenge is to design systems that use power to disarm power. Only in such an order can mankind be free.” Perhaps mankind will evolve to “control the actions of all to the degree needed to protect the well-being of the whole.”

    Schmookler mentions a number of relevant definitions:

    • system: an aggregate the elements of which interact (and therefore no element of the system can be understood in isolation)
    • synergy: a pattern whereby each part functions in a way that enhances the welfare of the other parts as well as its own
    • viability: the ability to maintain without diminution whatever it is upon which its continued existence depends

    Our civilization is definitely a system, yet it is neither synergistic nor viable. Our civilization is based on power, not synergy and viability. We compete rather than cooperate. We control by short-term domination rather than by consideration of the long-term. We demonstrate immense creativity, but we do not consider the impact of our creativity on future generations (in either our consumerism or our technological advances).

    To be continued

    Links suggestive of our cultural insanity

    Heartless world watches while Rohingya nightmare continues (20170928)

    An example of the inability of our species to deal with power.

    Trump doesn’t get it on Puerto Rico. He just proved it by lashing out at San Juan’s mayor. (20170930)

    I am suggesting this link, not as a critique of Trump (which it is), but as an indication of the need for definitive action in stopping this kind of tribalism, a stance that likely results in major deterioration of justice and viability. The current system is not healthy.

    Homeland Security to monitor social media accounts of immigrants and citizens (20170926)

    Where does surveillance stop? When is it effective? Here we seem to be moving to a police state, again with a major deterioration of justice and vitality.

    Even This Data Guru Is Creeped Out By What Anonymous Location Data Reveals About Us (20170926)

    So easy, and with enough computer power, likely also easy to cross-map details of how groups of people interact. Truly, Big Brother is watching.

    [1] Schmookler, A. B. (1995). Parable of the tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution. New York, NY: State University of New York.

  • A Number of Interesting Articles

    technology7
    Technology: dazzling, but distracting

    There have been a number of interesting articles have come across my desk in the past few months (some technological, one on civil disobedience), so I thought I would describe them briefly. I recommend that the interested reader explore them all from the original sources listed.

    First, some fascinating technological results:

    20161128 A way to turn our carbon emissions into rock

    As regular readers of this blog will likely know, I do not accept that global warming is a technological issue. However, we have been so resistant to deal with the problem, that our major current need requires technological solutions. Most importantly, we need to stop the production of the greenhouse gas sources of climate disruption. And at this stage, we likely also will need ways in which to safely remove carbon dioxide (amongst other gases) from the atmosphere; most of the possible means of geoengineering a cooler planet as simply too unexplored, and consequently of high risk to unexpected, and dangerous, outcomes.

    This article describes a process that is still in the developmental stages, but likely can be safely scaled up to global levels for safe permanent removal. Unfortunately, part of the developmental process is currently through the US Department of Energy, and thus will likely require approval by the new Trump administration.

    20170109 The Vertical Farm

    One of the major needs of our growing world population will be reliable food production. This article describes a fascinating process, utilizing aeroponic farming (more efficient than hydroponic) in vertical layers, again likely one that can be scaled to global levels. To quote from the article:

    a complex of two hundred buildings, each twenty stories high and measuring eighty feet by fifty feet at its base, situated in some wide-open outlying spot . . . could grow enough vegetables and rice to feed everybody who will be living in New York City in the year 2050.

    The footprint of such an buildings would only be a few city blocks, yet provide food for many millions. Amazing. (Incidentally, typical of The New Yorker, there are a number of cartoons scattered throughout the article. Enjoy.)

    20170111 Your Breakfast Is About to Take a Weird Turn

    Again in the line of food production, this article describes some of the many ways in which genetically-modified organisms are contributing to our culture. Although I have some reservations concerning GMO processes (the underlying safety is still poorly explored — but for me it will take several hundred years to have adequate information; I also recognize that modern technology offers fascinating opportunities.

    GMO yeast are now able to produce what is likely to be an adequate “milk,” with 98% less water consumption and 65% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It remains to be seen as to what such substitutes will offer, but as indicated earlier, it is one of the fascinating technological advances that may offer considerable relief of the consequences of our culture.

    Now some comments.

    From my perspective, the problem of technology is that it is both potentially part of the solution and part of the problem. Modern technology is both dazzling, and distracting from the issues with which we need to deal.

    Even one hundred years ago, many major philosophers (Bredyeav, Ellul, Lewis — see my book Acedia for details) recognized that technology was dehumanizing and took on a life of its own, distracting from the issues of how to have a mature culture. Even at its best, technology is a means to reduce greenhouse gases, perhaps also to reduce cultural impact in other ways — but technology does not manage our incessant need for consumer products, nor over-population. On the force field of change, technology moves us away from negativity, but does not move us to a vision of who or how we want to be as a culture.

    A final reference, then, on some cultural movement — an interview with several individuals who are engaged in civil disobedience, to which I append an open letter to former President Obama written by one of these individuals.

    We have a choice as to how we live our values. As indicated earlier, I believe that civil disobedience is a necessary exploration in our current cultural psychosis.