This quote was probably my favorite from the parts of the book that I read so far. This quote strongly ties in to not only the global warming and whole environmental topic that is addressed in the book, but also in every aspect of beliefs and convictions that human beings can possess. When one feels passion or believes in something strongly, it should be important to them that they express their beliefs accurately and search for the truth in confirming their belief. Often in our society, however, the truth seems to be pushed aside as people search for marginal evidence that loosely protects their beliefs from being threatened from different truths. I really love science, as I am currently a biochemistry major and the majority of my college experience has been consumed by science, and this quote made me think about the different beliefs that I hold to be true and the evidence that I use in my own mind to support their reality. When faith overwhelms rationality, often unsupported beliefs can be advanced and cause major problems for those who advance and those who contradict them. This sort of situation is strongly illustrated by State of Fear, because modern day science has a lot of different things to say on the topic of global warming and environmental degradation. This book discusses a lot about circulating reference and the whole conundrum of where funding for certain "science" comes from and what is a fact and what isn't, what is really happening and what is just being publicized to scare the masses to control their minds. Personally, the way I react to this book and the way I react to any discussion or ridiculous debate on the existence of global warming/climate change (yes, it is happening) is "Who cares?"
I don't mean "who cares" as is why should anyone care about the environment, but rather, who cares if global warming is actually happening or not. Why does there need to be an extreme and potential doomsday problem in order for people to give a shit about our planet? Why is it that we have to be on the edge of crisis for people to stop being so damn selfish and start caring about how they impact the world? This is what has always bothered me about the entire global warming debate. Whether or not you think the environment is being degraded and harmed by human activity, why shouldn't you recycle? bike instead of drive if you can? turn off your lights? conserve water? Why not? This root question of why does something TERRIBLE or APOCALYPTIC have to happen for people to start caring is what really eats me about society. Sure its probably true that a lot of statistics are manipulated or gathered in sketchy ways, and that there are varying conflicts of interest in the entirety of the "green" movement, but these discrepancies are just distractions from a bigger question. Certainly it is important to be skeptical of what is being reported on the news and what company founded which study that concluded that.... and etc.
All in all, relating to my selected quote, I believe that regardless of what the reality of the environmental situation is, all people should do their best to take care of the earth and the environment, and demand policymakers and companies to do the same. The earth was here before we were and will continue to exist after we perish (unless the Mayans were right...) and it deserves to be treated well considering we have the ability to do so. It shouldn't be up to the government to scare us into wanting a change, humans should want the change all on their own because it is what is right for the world and it is what is respectful for humans of the future.
I like the quote you posted "When you have a strongly held belief, don't you think it's important to express that belief accurately?", and I would suggest it's also important to express it dedicatedly. Same thing, though there has been debates on whether or not global warming exists and whether or not the datas they have are real, both sides should still express it correctly and devotedly. And like you said above that it's their responsibility to find out the truth behind it.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to that, despite the fact that I agree with you that a lot of side issues are coming along with the topic of global warming, I have to agree with you that people just don't care and people are not willing to change and people are just selfish. I once heard someone saying this: What's the point of protecting the earth if I am not going to get married and give births? Resources will be gone someday anyway, why still protecting and saving? Nowadays people just have their own way of thinking, way of treating "facts" no matter how bad the scenario is.
Last but not least, I think you are certainly right that everyone does have responsibility to take care of the Earth and that we are all able to do so. For those who think protecting and saving are worthless, I would tell them to see the Earth as a library, and ask them what they think if previous people tear down pages from books, destroying desks and chairs, the smell of cigarette is everywhere etc.
“When you have a strongly held belief, don't you think it's important to express that belief accurately?”
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite quotes and one that I was planning on doing my blog post around. However, since there was no shortage of good material from the reading I chose to cut my losses (since you had already wrote your post) and move on. Anyways, I enjoyed reading your post because it was so real and honest. Why does something terrible always have to happen for movement and change to occur? Your post made me personally think about what I have done since the issue of global warming has come into debate. Sadly, I still do not think enough people believe that it is indeed happening and therefore are continuing to further harm the environment.
By the way in response to your last paragraph--Hopefully the Mayans do not hold the “truth” about the end of the world.
Valerie, thank you for your thoughts. I could not agree with you more. There is no reason to treat the earth we live on with the disrespect that so many do. Sadly, while many people are trying to make a difference in the environment, many also think that it is their right as Americans to consume anything they want as long as its available. Constant consumption and disposal seems to mean nothing to the way it will eventually shape the reality in which we live, since it may not drastically shape one's reality right now. Or they may be listening to the rhetoric that says climate change does not exist, but if it does, it is natural and not caused by humans. This is scary, but in the mean time I am thankful that there are people still trying to change, no matter the circumstance and reason they are doing it for.
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