Can you hear the alarm ringing?

 I am worried.

I am worried about our planet.

I am worried about what mankind is doing not only

to our planet, but to that which we call the Universe.

If earth may be likened to an alarm clock then I believe its

bells are well and truly ringing. Trying to alert us to the fact that 

it's not doing so well.

And what about us? How is mankind doing?

Are we getting any better at getting along with each other?

Are we getting any better at sharing our riches?

Are we getting any better at treating our fellow human beings

with dignity and respect?

Are we getting any better at treating our fellow living creatures

with tenderness and care?

Are we getting any better at taking care of nature's bounty?

Are we getting any better at appreciating and valuing the gift of life?

I am worried about what mankind is doing to itself.

What kind of creatures are we that we are able to ignore

others suffering and pain as long as we are not the ones

doing the suffering?

What kind of creatures are we that we are able to rationale

profit over people?

What kind of creatures are we that we are able to kill

other living creatures and then justify it by using

words such as: protection, defense, preservation, survival?

Mankind, a paradox, a high intellect paired with a tendency

to self-destructive and often violent behaviours?

or

Mankind, a paradox, a high intellect capable of constructive and innovative

thinking, paired with a tendency to mindless emotional outbursts?

or

Mankind, a paradox, a high intellect paired with a tendency to

engage in un-intelligent endeavors.

or

Mankind, a paradox? Full stop?

''I am pessimistic about the human race because it

is too ingenious for its own good. Our approach

to nature is to beat it into submission.

We would stand a better chance of survival if we

accommodated ourselves to this planet and

viewed it appreciatively, instead of skeptically

and dictatorially.''

(E. B. White)

''The salvation of mankind lies only in

making everything the concern of all.''

(Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn)

''I am worried about mankind, but not without hope.

Because as each new day may present an opportunity for 

wicked deeds, it also presents an opportunity for good ones.''

(Citizen Z)

about the image: ink on board