From A Cynical Point Of View

History is fascinating, present is one’s own perspective and future is not known. But hopping between these time eras, I wondered whether the human race has really evolved during its long journey of hundreds and thousands of years.

Courtesy Google Image

In the past, we fought with clubs, then swords, bows and arrows; now there are guns, missiles and bombs for the same.

In the past, we played outdoor sports and indoor games for amusement; now we just need to glue our eyes to the screen for that.

In the past we used our vocal chords for communication; now we play dumb and use our fingers for communicating (internet, text message).

Earlier we never needed to package anything; now packaging is quite essential and the stuff inside is almost of inconsequential value.

In the past we used our feet for walking, then animals and now we have machines to carry our weight.

Earlier we prayed to nature Gods (air, sun, water, fire) and now we exploit the same nature for our own luxuries.

Earlier we used our mind for calculations and remembering stuff; now we have calculators and reminders for the same. Likewise we used to think new ideas in the past but now we google them.

Have our thoughts or our actions evolved with time? Earlier, we humans fought like savages in greed of territories and treasures; we still do the same. Earlier we fought in the name of religion; we still do the same. Then and now, our actions and motives remain unchanged. But what’s changed is the mode of doing them. Machines have evolved over times, thereby reducing our mental and physical work (still we complain of lack of time!) So who is evolving eventually? We, the human race, who is outsourcing its faculties to inanimate objects or the machines which are gradually taking over the human race?

Earth's Fury

The natural disaster which struck Japan recently is a warning sign for all, that our Earth is getting choked; and in response, the Earth shuddered and threw back what we, as humans have been giving  it for so many years.

 

We need to create immediate reforms in our lifestyle to suit nature and not to change nature to suit our lifestyle. 

 

Courtesy Google Image

The first step towards this lifestyle reform is to change our attitude. Banish the western or rather American philosophy of ‘use and throw’. Instead we need to revert back to our (Indian) eco-friendly culture which promotes the theory of ‘use and re-use’ or ‘use and recycle’. Moreover, all countries in the world should unite and pledge to shift the focus of research from defense, electronic gadgets, and so on, to the tapping of solar energy (which is freely available) and using it cost effectively and efficiently.

Individually, let us all pledge to take small but concrete steps to save water, grow more trees and switch off electrical appliances when not in use. This is just a beginning and we need to do much more to save our planet Earth. Let's start now.