Much like how miffed we become when a physician explains that they cannot help you with your left hand disfunction, because they are a right pinkie specialist, this piece points out the absurdity of looking at and understanding our natural world through a single lens. The ancient tale of elephant and blind men is a perfect metaphor for the narrowness of our process. Love how Rob used this ancient tale to frame his piece. As a storyteller, am reminded again and again that ancient folk wisdom is constantly reminding us that all things are connected.
When all the different branches of the scientific tree are saying the same thing, the smart humans would listen and say, "Perhaps we need to change our destructive ways."
I get the point of this lesson. There remains, however, the fact that pollution is causing changes to historically repeating (perennial?) conditions, which changes can become destructive to sea life populations, islands and shorelines, with costly damage to people and their dwellings, livelihoods and municipalites. Dialogue must be shared among scientists, industrialists and politicians in seats of power--and with people of good will who can urge remedial action.
Yes, many sciences and perspectives inform citizens. When many diverse voices urge the same actions for differing reasons, politicians and decision-makers are more influenced by constituents. We got the lead out of gasoline by raising a raucous din for responsible actions, and only then did the government step up and regulate.
Much like how miffed we become when a physician explains that they cannot help you with your left hand disfunction, because they are a right pinkie specialist, this piece points out the absurdity of looking at and understanding our natural world through a single lens. The ancient tale of elephant and blind men is a perfect metaphor for the narrowness of our process. Love how Rob used this ancient tale to frame his piece. As a storyteller, am reminded again and again that ancient folk wisdom is constantly reminding us that all things are connected.
When all the different branches of the scientific tree are saying the same thing, the smart humans would listen and say, "Perhaps we need to change our destructive ways."
And here the best ways to change, now that we understand.
We have the knowledge, Rob; one of the ways is to reduce our consumerist ways. Cut back by, say, 10 percent this year. See how that goes.
I get the point of this lesson. There remains, however, the fact that pollution is causing changes to historically repeating (perennial?) conditions, which changes can become destructive to sea life populations, islands and shorelines, with costly damage to people and their dwellings, livelihoods and municipalites. Dialogue must be shared among scientists, industrialists and politicians in seats of power--and with people of good will who can urge remedial action.
Yes, many sciences and perspectives inform citizens. When many diverse voices urge the same actions for differing reasons, politicians and decision-makers are more influenced by constituents. We got the lead out of gasoline by raising a raucous din for responsible actions, and only then did the government step up and regulate.