Ideas & History

 Historical Materialism says that it is the conditions of our existence that give rise to our ideas. Or at least the widespread adoption of our ideas. The creation of the practice of farming gave rise to the adoption of the belief that the animals were actually lower than human beings, no longer our siblings/parents/ancestors, justifying this with stories of God loving man highest and giving us rule over the other ‘beasts’ as they were now known.

But what if we could, through the reach of the internet produce more sustainable ideas and through this change the conditions of our existence. Is this mere fantasy? You might seduce some it is argued, but under the microscope of business and government policy, they will be seen as impractical. Not holding water, as they say.

And so, it seems our pens must come second to our behavior and in our daily lives we must enact what we wish to achieve, we must be models for a new humane civilization. Our lives must seek out more sustainable practices and through our examples which others will receive of, grassroots change will occur. While it might not overturn the bankers’ world, it will make real difference in the lives of our fellow beings/place. Small actions have huge consequences, don’t believe the hype. Our whole is made up of the personal. Real, not postured, humility is the right path, not star status. As we know stars are planets and suns and they are a long way away. Here is where we should be looking. Here and now.