Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A More Holistic Tradition
In the beginning, it must have puzzled indigenous peoples why the Europeans were so aggressive and ungrateful. Later, having gotten to know more about Christianity and corporations, indigenous societies came to realize the Europeans -- for whatever reason -- had chosen the wrong fork in the road, opting for the values of greed over those of generosity. After that, the ambience of European cultures could do little other than act out aggression and ingratitude repeatedly -- generation after generation -- around the world.
Now, as this aggression and greed are bringing about social and ecological collapse, even Europeans are rejecting this aspect of their heritage. Some are even turning to their indigenous roots in order to discover a more holistic tradition--one with a more harmonious ambience.
While it might be tempting to be smug about having surpassed the ignorance of capitalistic dinosaurs, it does us no good if we don't commit to removing these throwbacks from positions of leadership. Until we replace them with people devoted to enacting our vision of governance and accountability, we will be forced to continue fighting just to keep our values alive.
Now, as this aggression and greed are bringing about social and ecological collapse, even Europeans are rejecting this aspect of their heritage. Some are even turning to their indigenous roots in order to discover a more holistic tradition--one with a more harmonious ambience.
While it might be tempting to be smug about having surpassed the ignorance of capitalistic dinosaurs, it does us no good if we don't commit to removing these throwbacks from positions of leadership. Until we replace them with people devoted to enacting our vision of governance and accountability, we will be forced to continue fighting just to keep our values alive.
