Countries and civilizations are self-destructive. Why? Because they mistake short-term gain for long-term survival. We optimize for comfort, power, and advantage—while ignoring consequence, interdependence, and limits. Our intelligence amplifies impact, but not wisdom. We can build faster than we can understand what we’ve built.
History is clear. The Roman Empire flourished—then collapsed under the weight of excess and internal decay. The Maya civilization advanced—then disappeared amid ecological strain. The Easter Island civilization exhausted its resources and fell. The U.S.A. is moving quicly in this direction.
We do not lack knowledge.
We lack restraint, responsibility, and the willingness to act beyond ourselves. In essence, we lack Elders.
I am with you about the historical accounting. If elders are going to help us, though, it would be the wisest among us. Just being old doesn't in itself make you wise. Most elders need help rather than being able to give it.
It’s so frustrating that the people being affected, us, don’t have a say in what’s going on. I applaud you in trying to help us find our voices.
Countries and civilizations are self-destructive. Why? Because they mistake short-term gain for long-term survival. We optimize for comfort, power, and advantage—while ignoring consequence, interdependence, and limits. Our intelligence amplifies impact, but not wisdom. We can build faster than we can understand what we’ve built.
History is clear. The Roman Empire flourished—then collapsed under the weight of excess and internal decay. The Maya civilization advanced—then disappeared amid ecological strain. The Easter Island civilization exhausted its resources and fell. The U.S.A. is moving quicly in this direction.
We do not lack knowledge.
We lack restraint, responsibility, and the willingness to act beyond ourselves. In essence, we lack Elders.
I am with you about the historical accounting. If elders are going to help us, though, it would be the wisest among us. Just being old doesn't in itself make you wise. Most elders need help rather than being able to give it.