Frugal and Energy Efficient Living

Last edited Thu Apr 5, 2012, 09:40 AM - Edit history (1)

I realized last night that we live in a world of seven billion people, each of whom has a vision of what a "better future" looks like. Those visions vary radically, and the future that actually emerges will be the result of a dynamic interplay between all of them. If my vision were to be right, then seven billion minus one visions would have to be wrong. That's not likely - the likely outcome is that seven billion visions will all be wrong in some ways and right in others.

What's important, it seems to me, is that we all keep working towards the sort of betterments we feel the world needs. You value continued development - especially of technology, while I value moving to a smaller-scale future with more emphasis on emotional connections. So be it. The future will inevitably disappoint and enthrall both of us, so there's no point in me trying to thwart your work in pursuing avenues that are important to you.

Another thought that occurred to me is that our belief systems are the canvas on which we paint our picture of the future, using our values as brushes and our dreams as paint. Our values and expectations come from our experience, which is a complex mix of growth and wounding. If we have a choice, it probably makes sense to promote visions for change that are grounded in personal growth, and bypass those that spring from psychological wounds. This thought came from a realization that my some of my own previous projections of the future were the result of various hurts I'd suffered in the past. As I heal those wounds, it becomes easier to espouse positive, opening change, rather than defensive, self-protective change.

Best of luck, and I undertake not to cast further aspersions on your view of a better future.