Q: Are you optimistic about the future of humanity?
A: Depends from whose perspective the question is asked, doesn’t it? From my perspective, no. And I’m an optimist. And while I have a generally positive attitude about humans, I do not hold out much hope for the species as a whole, if that makes sense. MLK said that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. We make strides here and there. Socially, moreso in the past fifteen years than the many years prior. This is a good thing. But not if we commit suicide via climate change. It’s already happening.
The problem, as far as I can see it, is the consolidation of power and control around the world in a handful of people who are not good; who for short term financial and political gain, unwind environmental protections, burn rain forests, dump poison and trash into the oceans and water table, and then deregulate the industries that pollute. Greed, and the fear of shrinking fortunes by those who have them, are perhaps the most potent driving forces behind the failure of humankind to do something about the crisis.
From the perspective of a future nature that doesn’t include humans, I’m very optimistic.
Chris Panatier’s story “The Eighth Fathom”
in Metaphorosis Friday, 6 March 2020.
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