The Downfall of Humans

An overlook and where humans are at this point.

      I don’t understand humans. Maybe I was just born in the wrong time or place, but to me a human is a selfish, inconsiderate, and illogical being; at least this is how I would describe most humans. Beings driven by power, money, and ego rather than knowledge, growth, and harmony.

     Humans destroy the planet and its inhabitants (even its' own species) in order to make life for their-selves more convenient and for power. Power, money, time, all of these things are an illusion created by humans (yes, time is relative to one’s place in the universe). Masters of wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony; all which are considered “deadly sins” due to their tenancy to poison the mind and soul. They take offence to any amount of negativity even if it’s a reflection of how they treat others; forgoing the possible learning and growth that comes from constructive criticism.

“You said that humanity was a flawed creation, and that people still kill one another for petty jealousy and greed. You said that humanity never asked itself why it deserved to survive. Maybe you don’t.” - “Boomer” to CMD Adama, Battlestar Galactica.

     Human tendencies haven’t changed in far too long; I often wonder when humans will evolve past such useless, selfish concepts and tendencies. When they’ll finally start over, live with nature (not against or using it; but sustainable non-existence), and develop technology that is non-harmful to both us and nature. When we’ll finally be united as living beings rather than as a race or species; where every living thing would be respected. When lying will be unnecessary and abnormal, and sex shameless.

“A new way to examine humanity’s impact on the environment is to consider how the world would fare if all the people disappeared.” - Alan Weisman

     Humans have their children collect money to “save the rainforest” only to later in life hear how it’s still somehow struggling to survive. They lie to their children about make-believe figures all for the excuse of adding wonder into their life, yet usually it’s all for the parent in actuality. They choose to believe in lies over the truth just because it’s seen as “easier”. They say "it can't be helped" or "that's just how it is" rather than saying "it shouldn't be like this, so let's make it change"; change is often entirely too slow for these matters. They over populate and then make laws to control animal population. Putting a price-tag on nature. They steal free and abundant resources, claim them rare and valuable, and then rape the planet for said resources; paying no mind to the effect it may have, only caring about the paper in their wallets and number amount in their banks. Money: a made-up resource created by humans; most of which doesn’t even exist in physical form.

“I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its buildings of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man.” - Sun Bear of the Chippewa Tribe

     Humans let papers and numbers rule their lives. From birth we a number-tagged repeatedly: SSN, DL, medical, school ID, bank account, birth certificate, et cetera… Humans let an artificial forth-dimension dictate most of their lives (the internet); everything they know is slowly becoming data and reliant on machines. There will come a day when humans won’t even remember the skills they know now because they’ll be so use to machines doing it for them; an example of this today would be how most humans couldn’t survive in the wild if need be. I mean, do any of you know where to find baking soda? I have, only because I was curious enough to see if it was something natural or man-made (hint: it's a natural commodity).

“When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover that you cannot eat money.” - Cree prophecy

We need change.

Author's Note

There are positives, but the negatives far outweigh them; at least in my opinion.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I don't understand the greed of man. Some places are wise. In Germany. Cities surrounded by protected forest. If we don't appreciate life and land. The human race will find a dead-end. Very soon. Thank you for your powerful thoughts. Thank you for sharing the excellent chapter.
Coyote

[Astrid]

Very true. Too many people need to wake up to the truth that we're slowly killing ourselves and just choose to turn away from that fact.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree. I hope we learn soon. Must live in peace with nature.

[Astrid]

As do I ~ :)

[Olivia]

This is a very interesting perspective on the human races future. Greatly enjoyed your honesty and uncensored voice.

[Astrid]

Thank you, I'm glad to see that you enjoyed the read. I hope you'll continue to read ^-^

[wordman]

astrid this is a great story and very much true,well about humans

[Mr_M]

I loved this. The term nature of the beast springs to mind in terms of humanity. I like the way you write this as if you were looking through the window down at the plannet. But at the same time your human traits are laced through the piece. I will be thinking about this all day. Brilliant.

[Astrid]

While I'm inclined to agree with your "nature of the beast" comment I also disagree. However, I'm a weirdo so the part with "beast" has me think twice. We like to compare all these negative things to animals yet shouldn't. I mean, a swine (pig) is a highly intelligent creature who'd happily polish off your leftovers; not to mention gives you bacon (which everyone seams to love). A "b***h" (dog) is supposedly "man's best friend". P***y (cats) lovely independent spirits; p***y (vagina)...well, almost everyone wants that :P (Same going for penis and a*s/hole, we're labelling feel good areas as negative things). I wonder why humans have labelled such beautiful things are something negative...
I know some scientists think we're inherently evil whole others claim we're inherently good, but I feel we can make that choice on our own. We don't have a "nature", we choose ours. We can chose to hold onto anger and be an a*****e, we can shoe to let it go and be walked all over, or we can choose to take the middle ground and use logic to solve our problems...at least that's the way I see it. I could be a serial killer, but instead I chose to be a cereal killer ~

Thank you again for the read ^-^ happy to hear it left you thinking ~

[Mr_M]

I was thinking beast as in demon not animal. And that quote although is class, only tells half the story, as you put. If true, then the beast should change its nature, or we rather need to change. I think good and bad are labels in themselves. We are not either one side or the other but have traits of both in a lovely montage. Donnie darko is right. Our moral compas might as well be used on the moon. Society twists good and bad. America and Britain do this well, on one hand you are a terrorist on the other you are a peace keeper fighting the good fight. You are a terrorist to blow up a building but not to invade a country. Oh that is different... One man's terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. We don't negotiate with terrorists my country would say, while dealing with countries who blow up others. I guess this is the great thing about humanity is that we are all walking contradictions. Sometimes right and wrong is merely down to perspective.

How great is it that your writings have such a reaction?

[Astrid]

I agree it is a big grey area and the world is filled with dualities. I love the Darko films.

I enjoy it quite a bit ^-^ It brings me joy

[Mr_M]

Oh, you are a woman after my own heart. The most facinating film I have ever seen. I was obsessed with that movie, it blew my mind. Cellar door...

[Astrid]

Did you see the second one S. Darko? It revolves around his sister when she's older (a teenager).

[Mr_M]

I never did, I was so scared they would ruin it... there is a third one also no?

[Astrid]

It's just the two