Thought #16. One step forward, two steps back.


Life is perfect as it is, at least for people like me who seldom foresee a dismal and gloomy future. It is called having a positive attitude towards life. I called it a “Life Is Too Short” attitude. On the one hand, some individuals appear to be hardwired to love their own life whilst others seem to be prone to detest their existence. Consequently, attitude exerts a large influence on living life to the full.  There are, of course, people who occupy the middle ground and that is fine.

The crux of life is the resourcefulness of living beings to overcome all manner of hard times, tragedies and misfortunes, though this should not lead the reader to think that creatures are always hardwired to thrive. Dinosaurs died out millions of years ago and, according to the WWF, species as diverse as the Amur Leopard, the Mountain Gorilla or the Vaquita (the world’s most rare marine mammal) are on the edge of extinction.

How can we pave the way for a prosperous and enriched planet Earth? There is no easy answer to this question, at least not a definitive answer. Nevertheless, sustainable development could be an approximation to this challenge. I know full well that the moment the word “sustainable” is heard, a combination of boredom, scepticism and utopia immediately springs to any mind. Moreover, it has been thus far unable to effectively tackle global problems such as poverty or climate change.

Fortunately, a good many of lively people do believe in human brains (more than in brawn). Its phenomenal power has not been hindered by, for example, narrow-mindedness or pettiness. Seemingly, evolution continues unstoppable with the course of time. That is good news. We have not run out of time yet.

I must admit my lack of knowledge when it comes to reporting scientific advances. It is certainly not my field of expertise. So I am nowhere near understanding the origin of species, evolution, the causes of global warming or their effects on animal life. On the other hand, you do not need to be an expert to grasp the root of contemporary problems.

We are too many people: overpopulation. We overuse the natural resources: overexploitation. We do not believe in sustainable development: blissful ignorance. We do not take care of our environment: ridiculous foolishness.

After watching Planet Earth I & II, an astonishing TV series and a landmark in the history of nature documentaries, I do really love life, all sorts of life. No sooner had I started to watch the first series than my mind completely changed. For those who have an inquiring mind I strongly recommend binge-watching Planet Earth. Sir David Attenborough's insightful comments will never disappoint a sensible and sentient person like you. Flippancy is not allowed. Only a couple of chapters and I promise you will end up watching it with rapt attention. Attenborough passion is buoying as a companionable friend.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. One step forward, two steps back is not that bad.

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