Paradoxical Clarity

Paradox

Life is the apotheosis of a living, breathing paradox. There is no doubt that we are special. All belief systems acknowledge this fact. Every religion, every cultural doctrine—even those that do not harbor a belief in a creator admit we are unique.

Whether through divine destiny or by brain power, we are the masters of all we survey. We have the power, (and do) decide the fate(s) of entire species and environments. We have changed the earth to suit us and we have begun to travel into space. We are the most successful species that has ever lived (except maybe bacteria). We hold the power of life and death for everything, including ourselves in our hands.

 We are gods.

In many ways life seems to be so enigmatic I have trouble wrapping my mind around it. Of all earth’s creatures we alone have the ability to create and save more than manipulate and destroy. The beautiful cliché, “With great power comes great responsibility” is true; as are the words of Jesus when He said, “To whom much is given, much will be expected.” We have been given much—maybe too much.

Then again, the problem seems so clear I have no doubt why we are in trouble. We are killing our planet.

We are killing Her with pollution.

We are killing Her with pesticides and herbicides.

We are killing Her by killing Her seas and Her forests.

We are killing Her with our avarice.

We are even killing the miraculous bubble that contains our atmosphere. Every day there is less and less of the earth that was created to sustain life.

When I do achieve clarity on this grand subject it is three-fold. The reasons we are the destroyers of our earth are greed, short-sightedness, and defectiveness.

We are greedy; we want more. It helps us to not feel so small. It is a vain and destructive attempt, for we are small. Humans somehow feel the acquisition of money or things lead to an elevated status. This futile idea defines the defectiveness of our race.

 Somewhere in this marvelous brain we possess is a great defect. We constantly short-circuit like some 1980’s computer. We feel hate, fear, envy, self-loathing, and a plethora of other powerful emotions that end up ruling us one way or the other. Mental illness, The Ego, identity, insecurity, lust, and hormonal reactions are just a few of our defects. Join these with the incredible “reasoning” and “creative” powers our brains have, and a terrible monster is created. We then think only within our short lifespans or just beyond, something awful stands on top of the world: a god without the power/desire for restraint and contemplation.

Were we created this way?

Did we develop this way?

Is this what we really want for a legacy?

Man is the only creature that kills for fun (using reason) and kills for gain. We, with the largest and most complex brain on the earth are not smart enough to see the harmony other species have and emulate them. Maybe it is pride—another defect. Man has devised the most sinister of ways to destroy, control, and rule his fellow man; ways that defy description.

Maybe we are not the most gifted creatures on the earth. A truly morally evolved species, would logically seek peace and unity. They would live and work together for the common good. They would not build and use their intelligence to destroy, but to create and sustain.

 Maybe the Cetacean Clan that thrives in the watery world are superior to us. Maybe we do not need to be kings of all we survey. Maybe all we need are love, respect, and a true sense of species belonging. We need to remember we are only a part of this world. Maybe the earth needs to die to live again; many holy books say this.  I for one, am ashamed at being a player in Her death; we all are a part of it.

Is it possible for us to become citizens of the earth rather than its rulers, and eventually it murderers?

I don’t know.