How We Think In Western Society & What It Means for the Future, Part 1

How We Think In Western Society & What It Means for the Future, Part 1

The Scales -

The concept of a scale being used to weigh ideas is a metaphor that has existed for thousands of years and be found in cultures all over the World.

The idea of two scales being held by Justice – the Roman goddess of balance - has become a common symbol of equality in Law. It is the first image that comes to mind for many people when they consider the value of ideas. However, we need to understand that the image of the Scales is rooted in Dualism – the concept of the “either/or” argument. The Scales have two sides, so the ideas that go onto either side tend to be opposites.

We tend to think in “opposites”. This way of thinking is expressed all around us: concepts in politics (Republicans OR Democrats), concepts in religions (Holy OR Evil), concepts in voting and opinions (For OR Against), the court system (Guilty OR Innocent), and the list goes on.

It is true that most things have an opposite. In Western thinking, we often assume that if the conditions for one situation aren't favorable, then the opposite must be true. Unfortunately this assumption has become commonplace in modern debates. As an example, Republicans and Democrats attempt to stonewall each other under the assumption that they must be opposed to everything the other party has proposed.

So what does this have to do with Environmentalism, Sustainability, and “Going Green”?

Generally speaking, when speaking of “global warming” the positions advanced are in the “either/or” mode of thought; you either are FOR the idea that global warming is happening, or you are AGAINST the idea that global warming is happening.

The trouble with arguing FOR or AGAINST global warming is that both sides feel the need to convince the other side they are wrong. As is too often the case, there is no compromise. Going even further, once a person or group has decided to support one side, they do everything they can to stop the opposing viewpoint.

A tremendous amount of time and energy has been spent arguing over the idea of global warming. Difficulties arise out of pride, out of bias, and out of viewing exceptions rather than inclusive ideas. Being for or against the idea of global warming often has more to do with underlying motives than reality. Motives come from perspective.

When it comes to preservation of the Environment, a person can do two things. They can either put their personal interests first for the sake of comfort and ease of living, or they can contribute to the overall well-being of humanity and the Earth. These are the choices to weigh on the Scales, the opposites in our dual way of thinking.

In future articles we will look at different aspects of how modern thinking has had a negative impact on the environment, and what we can do to shift that thinking towards more constructive attitudes.