Let me see if I can weave all these topics/subjects together, briefly - which is, in a sense, an ultimate reality. The biological & cultural evolution should not be thought of as separate. Nor can one’s personal preferences (likes and dislikes) be disentangled from the larger context of one’s expanding awareness from birth until death (biological, and no ones knows if there is anything after, for real.) Sure, one can (it’s absolutely free) meditate one’s life away, or close ranks to one’s immediate (proximate) environment, that is, after all, the context in which we (humans) evolved from our primate kin. One is free (in this country) to do that, also.
So, with the above in mind, a story, which address the proposition mentioned that we (humans) are addicted to growth.
Imagine you are a carpenter, a framer, a part of a crew (4 person) that builds houses, stores, and banks, for a living - it’s a good living, one that provides enough income, dignity, and stability, for you to attract a mate and start a family and provide for them. You answer to your crew chief, who answers to a general contractor, who answers to a developer, who answers to money lenders, who answer to law makers who answer to the Supreme Court, who depend upon the Commander In Chief to keep everyone safe from harm - be it foreign or domestic actors, or acts of God (nature).
If you, the carpenter, are not skilled, you’ll lose your job. If you and your crew work too well and fast, you’ll work your way out of a job/income; but there’s always another one. Until there isn’t, for any number of reasons.
But let’s say, the government(s), the people, have decided the main/ultimate problem is too much development - there are too many houses, stores, and banks. You are out of work. You have a garage full of tools and wanted to teach your children your trade/skill. They don’t care - your skills and tools are useless. The jobs now are done on computers, or on screens and stages, as performers, or in the service industry. You’re fifty years old, your mate has taken ill and has become addicted to alcohol, pills, and sloth. Your oldest child decides to escape their disintegrating proximate environment and join the army, because that offers hope of a better life, a meaningful, purposeful life. After all, there will always be wars or the threat of war (thank God). You’re at the end of your rope … . And then, God sends a flood which destroys a whole township - thank God, you think, you who never believed in God.
Just spit balling, sitting on the balcony, watching the world, working towards getting my book published. Cheers.
