I struggle with many of those same issues. I think generations of Catholicism make for a brain that is quick to feel guilt and responsibility for things mostly outside of our control. My current feeling is a lot of anger that good individuals take on a lot of pain because they cannot solve systemic issues. It’s good to remember that the term “carbon footprint” came from the fossil fuel industry. I also read a recent article noting a billionaire typically uses more energy in 15 minutes than the average person (I assume global average) uses in a lifetime.
This is not meant to let us off the hook, as we should all do what we can, but to suggest that unless we have really substantial systemic change, any gains from giving up owning a vehicle and living only on sustainably harvested plants will be swallowed up and negated by one asshole’s day on their mega yacht. And that asshole will not have one second of guilt because you can’t be a billionaire without also being a psychopath.
So yes we will keep fighting the good fight, because it is the good fight, not because we can win.
Well stated. And a completely accurate description of the generational Catholic brain. I just hope I don’t inadvertently pass that trait along to my children.
I struggle with many of those same issues. I think generations of Catholicism make for a brain that is quick to feel guilt and responsibility for things mostly outside of our control. My current feeling is a lot of anger that good individuals take on a lot of pain because they cannot solve systemic issues. It’s good to remember that the term “carbon footprint” came from the fossil fuel industry. I also read a recent article noting a billionaire typically uses more energy in 15 minutes than the average person (I assume global average) uses in a lifetime.
This is not meant to let us off the hook, as we should all do what we can, but to suggest that unless we have really substantial systemic change, any gains from giving up owning a vehicle and living only on sustainably harvested plants will be swallowed up and negated by one asshole’s day on their mega yacht. And that asshole will not have one second of guilt because you can’t be a billionaire without also being a psychopath.
So yes we will keep fighting the good fight, because it is the good fight, not because we can win.
Well stated. And a completely accurate description of the generational Catholic brain. I just hope I don’t inadvertently pass that trait along to my children.