Is there any point any more?
brianlux
Posts: 42,038
This is a question I have been asking myself lately. I have tried to keep up with current events for decades I've tried to do my little part to make a difference by supporting environmental organizations that I studied carefully and gave consideration based on their efficient and effective use of funds before donating to them. I've written letters, made calls, attended city, county, and state level governmental meetings, spoken up for what I believe, voted, even organized a gathering to promote global warming awareness, and attended rallies.
And now, after several decades of doing my little part, I ask myself, "Was it worth it?"
I have used a quote paraphrased from something Vaclav Havel said to continue to motivate myself to keep on advocating for the environmental ans social issues that I believe in. That quote is, "Hope is not the conviction that things will turn out well. Hope is the conviction to do what makes sense no matter how things turn out."
Sounds great, but then I look at where things are going: The environment is heading toward (or more likely already at a point of) a point no return leading to a long term collapse that will probably take centuries if not millennia to restore itself to a natural balance. Democracy is all but dead. Racism, sexism, homophobia are still a huge issue (especially considering the advances that began 50 plus years ago, this should no longer be a thing). Resources created each year by the planet are consumed in 6 months time. The oceans are dying and one of it's greatest and strongest defenders, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has hijacked by a wealthy developer/ recreational fishing outfit owner.
So I began to think today, if "Hope is the conviction to do what makes sense no matter how things turn out", could it be that what makes sense is to stop giving a shit and enjoy what's left of my life. Have all the many hours and many dollars been wasted effort and assets? This does not mean that I would consider living a wasteful life or stop recycling or buy a brodozer and burn as much gas as possible or live any differently than I do now. But I ask myself, if all of this has made little or no difference, is it worth it? If those of us who care are a minority up against a population that continues to over-reproduce and over-consume, is there any sense to caring any more?
Right now, I don't know. I just don't. Is there hope for things to get better, or is it better just to not give a damn? I really like to know. And no answer here will offend me. I just want the truth.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.
Post edited by brianlux on
0
Comments
Born to care. Its depressing but those who know, know. Those who don't care are a different breed
astoria 06
albany 06
hartford 06
reading 06
barcelona 06
paris 06
wembley 07
dusseldorf 07
nijmegen 07
this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
As for truth, that’s subjective. I can’t tell you what yours is anymore than you can tell me mine.
If you regret it, then stop wondering and just…stop. If not, then keep it up if your instinct tells you it’s the right thing to do.
Too bad life isn’t all neat and clear. But, it ain’t. I’m thankful for that.
2011-09-04 PJ20 | 2011-09-17 Winnipeg | 2012-09-30 Missoula | 2012-11-18 Tulsa EV | 2013-07-19 Chicago | 2013-11-15 Dallas
2013-11-16 OKC | 2014-10-09 Lincoln | 2014-10-17 Moline | 2014-10-19 St. Paul | 2014-10-20 Milwaukee | 2016-08-20 Chicago
2016-08-22 Chicago | 2018-08-18 Chicago | 2018-08-20 Chicago | 2022-05-09 Phoenix | 2022-05-20 Las Vegas | 2022-09-18 St. Louis
2022-09-20 OKC | 2023-08-31 St. Paul | 2023-09-02 St. Paul | 2024-05-16 Las Vegas | 2024-05-18 Las Vegas | 2024-08-31 Chicago
Yes, it was worth it, you never know who you inspired along your journey. Here is a quote I found on the internet:
"You never know how much the ripples of your actions affect others. One small action, which may seem like nothing to you, could be life-changing to someone else. Keep this in mind as you travel your path, and spread as much love and kindness as you possibly can."
What is left?
I suppose my questions are more rhetorical than anything. I don't have any answers anymore, that's for sure.
I like your quote. I don't need any confirmation of kudos for anything I've done, I just want results. If anything I've done made a positive difference, that's great, but I don't need to know. I just want to see the planet survive and to see the good that humanity is capable of be able to carry on. I believe both are in grave jeopardy.
I think my problem is that I'm too focused on wanting environmental and social situations to improve and cannot accept the fact that they may not improve. That, I would say, if definitely an personal flaw.
I was going to say something similar to cropduster, in that your personal good was not wasted. you easily could have inspired someone to also do the same, and that potential ripple effect is unquantifiable.
the fact is, you are going to continue to care whether you like it or not. the only thing you can do is maintain a healthy balance so it's not consuming your life. My personal belief is that the world isn't getting worse; just our awareness of its current state is skewed negative. Think of the crime stats; if you look at the number in your area, it's quite likely that violent crime has been falling steadily for decades. But you wouldn't know it by the state of the news. I (try to) see it on a macro level the same way.
www.headstonesband.com
"My personal belief is that the world isn't getting worse; just our awareness of its current state is skewed negative." I think that's true to some degree, but unfortunately, I actually think environmental issues are under-reported. And I feel bad saying that because I know that sounds very pessimistic. But I do believe we are in more trouble that way than is being reported.
www.headstonesband.com
I totally get that every generation thinks theirs is the end times and it never is.
somehow this seems different though. I’m fully aware every generation for thousands of years thought that too though and were all wrong. So who knows what is actually driving these thoughts, reality or human nature
between both the environmental catastrophe and the state of the country I just feel like something is going to get us
My parents generation (G.I. era) had it in spades. The were very action oriented, "take the bull by the horns", highly motivated, energetic, hard working people.
My generation showed some motivation early on, particularly with the resistance to the war in Vietnam, and somewhat with starting up environmental activism, but then we let the ball drop and were seduced by the vast luxuries afforded by the unique and incredibly affluent little window in time our generation has lived through.
But now we are in a time of stagnation and limited motivation. There are some very active and highly visible voices on both the left and the right, but the vast majority of us are like deer caught in the headlights. As a society (very generally speaking) we "don't know whether we've been shot, fucked, powder-burned or snake-bit". Our only hope is that a mass uprising of people will become highly motivated and action oriented to work for the general good of the people and the planet. I don't see that happening right now.
2011-09-04 PJ20 | 2011-09-17 Winnipeg | 2012-09-30 Missoula | 2012-11-18 Tulsa EV | 2013-07-19 Chicago | 2013-11-15 Dallas
2013-11-16 OKC | 2014-10-09 Lincoln | 2014-10-17 Moline | 2014-10-19 St. Paul | 2014-10-20 Milwaukee | 2016-08-20 Chicago
2016-08-22 Chicago | 2018-08-18 Chicago | 2018-08-20 Chicago | 2022-05-09 Phoenix | 2022-05-20 Las Vegas | 2022-09-18 St. Louis
2022-09-20 OKC | 2023-08-31 St. Paul | 2023-09-02 St. Paul | 2024-05-16 Las Vegas | 2024-05-18 Las Vegas | 2024-08-31 Chicago
The generations 500 years from now won't know that they never existed.... We will all die at some point too. I think we should try to avoid climate change if man made, but don't ruin your life stressing about if so some stranger 500 years from now can go skiing (if this is one of the issues).
Thus endeth my uplifting post of the day.
The fight to end clubbing baby seals is a major factor that led to Captain Paul Watson starting up Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. But now, that organization has been taken over- basically by coup d'état- by a wealthy developer and people who no longer wish to carry on the original intent of Cpt Watson and, in fact, have kicked him off the board and have banned him from using both the name and insignia of the very organization he created.
So yeah, I find it difficult to find purpose and satisfaction in what I've done when so many of the things I have supported are ruined by the wealthy and greedy of this world who show no concern for the health of the planet.
I honestly don't know how to move on any more. Maybe I'll figure it out before I croak.
My only hope is that there will be others who will now take up the challenge. So far, I don't see it happening. Too many people are too comfortable and not pissed off enough to care not well informed enough to do what needs to be done. The average person does next to nothing to protect the planet. We thrive on buying crap, eating up resources, and making the GDP the measure of our success.
Maybe some of the super rich will developed concern after all and do something. They're the ones with all the power now.
Me? I'm nothing.
Apologies for jumping in but because I’ve felt the same it really bothers me when anyone says your last 3 words. I truly don’t believe that anyone is ever nothing. That also doesn’t mean we can’t feel like Sysiphus or similarly.
I know you mean it in a more specific sense, but as others have said, no doubt along the way your words and actions have inspired others, even if just in thought. Even here your posts have helped me consider some of my own stances on the issues you clearly hold dear. If nothing else your genuine conviction inspires.
If you’ve lived up to your own principles then you shouldn’t feel any reason to hang your head (in dejection here).
10-30-1991 Toronto, Toronto 1 & 2 2016, Toronto 2022
im being somewhat serious here in that Prozac and such is probably a reason people just sort of ignore this stuff. Nothing is depressing when you are over medicated
we live in a post truth world when people can chose their own facts, when it’s so obvious they can’t ignore it then you can medicate it away.
most people I know recycle less than 15 years ago. Some only do it because the city makes the trash cans smaller and all the cardboard from Amazon won’t fit
No need to apologize, Darth. I appreciate your input (always have).
Good things happen her. You folks are great, thanks.
Don't reread Ishmael, especially the part about the early aeronauts as it relates to the Airplane of civilization, Also do not read A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright...We have been here before, there is geological, historical and archeological evidence dating back thousands of years, showing not just the Western world's follies, but the follies of the major civilizations of pre christianity and the major civilizations of the pre Columbus New World. The only difference is the scale, If we overwork the planet it is going to be much harder for 7bn people to find new places and ways to live, but hey let's keep that one click low price economy going, after all we are only borrowing from the future and some of us might never have to see the bill come due.
There are no kings inside the gates of eden
There are no kings inside the gates of eden
Mentioning Ishmael actually tempts me to re-read it, but I'll take your advice. Besides, I think I have something coming my way that I haven't read yet that sounds really great, so I think I'll go with that post-haste!
Really, it’s not all gloom and doom out there. I truly feel bad for - but don’t begrudge - anyone who does.
When ever I see doom and gloom I always think of this, it cheers me up.
LOL, love it!
www.headstonesband.com
Being selfish is normal too. I am; I don’t know anyone who is or isn’t, or even has to be, at times.
Despite how some might view me these days, everything I say here isn’t critical or meant to scold, fer chrissakes!