*
The trouble with survivalism is that it is almost purely materialist and selfish in nature. I know that many survivalists portend to be Christians, but I'm talking about the goals of survivalism as an ethos, as opposed to the goals of religion. Taken to its logical endpoint, survivalism means that I WILL KILL YOU TO PRESERVE MY OWN LIFE. The end.
And therein lies the rub.
BECAUSE, that is a destructive means to achieve my own survival. What is missing is a higher ethos, that of brotherhood and self-sacrifice and genuine love for other human beings. These things supersede the physical. They supersede material wants, even needs. They bring people together, they form lasting community. They assist with our spiritual evolution. And they reduce selfishness.
We must have community in order to survive, and we must have sustainability in order to survive. Survivalism has traditionally relied on weaponry and individualism instead of on community, and on hording instead of producing. I am not saying that weapons and stored supplies should not be part of the hippie survivalist regimen, BUT, they should be tempered with an honest and heart-felt attempt at creating community and viable food gardens.
As this century progresses, and the current trends -- both constructive and destructive -- all reach their logical endpoints, each of us will need to make choices again and again regarding our own inner alignment. Are we on the side of creation, or destruction? Each time we reach a new crossroads, we will need to make the choice and take the road offered. That involves deciding what is most important and dear to oneself.
Me, I will choose the side of creation. For me, the spiritual outweighs the material. It leads to the evolution of my spirit, which has lived human lives before and will live them again. But also, I believe that it can lead to a more fulfilling life, and as mentioned above, to real, sustainable human community that is based on sharing, caring and mutual love.
And therein lies the rub.
BECAUSE, that is a destructive means to achieve my own survival. What is missing is a higher ethos, that of brotherhood and self-sacrifice and genuine love for other human beings. These things supersede the physical. They supersede material wants, even needs. They bring people together, they form lasting community. They assist with our spiritual evolution. And they reduce selfishness.
We must have community in order to survive, and we must have sustainability in order to survive. Survivalism has traditionally relied on weaponry and individualism instead of on community, and on hording instead of producing. I am not saying that weapons and stored supplies should not be part of the hippie survivalist regimen, BUT, they should be tempered with an honest and heart-felt attempt at creating community and viable food gardens.
As this century progresses, and the current trends -- both constructive and destructive -- all reach their logical endpoints, each of us will need to make choices again and again regarding our own inner alignment. Are we on the side of creation, or destruction? Each time we reach a new crossroads, we will need to make the choice and take the road offered. That involves deciding what is most important and dear to oneself.
Me, I will choose the side of creation. For me, the spiritual outweighs the material. It leads to the evolution of my spirit, which has lived human lives before and will live them again. But also, I believe that it can lead to a more fulfilling life, and as mentioned above, to real, sustainable human community that is based on sharing, caring and mutual love.
*
No comments:
Post a Comment