Environmentalism and 20th Century Philosophy
Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre (pictured here) was born on this day in 1905. When I’m asked to define the subject, I say that existentialism is the doctrine that we live in a universe that has no meaning–one that is coldly indifferent to us and our happiness—and that it’s up to all of us to confer meaning onto our lives. We are born into a world where we are forced to do exactly that, i.e., to use our free will to make decisions to act in various ways, thereby defining who we are.
Ever since Sartre and his colleagues formalized this idea in the mid-20th Century, a great many people have commented that it is frightening, depressing and nihilistic, that it promotes apathy and amorality. I disagree completely. We all do things every day that bring great meaning with them.
Considering that you’re a 2GreenEnergy reader, it’s a good bet that a significant part of your life’s meaning is your dedication to making the world a better place via responsible stewardship of the natural environment. You actually care about the quality of life available to the other people on Earth—both now, and into the future–and your actions help to build that reality.
That’s not nothing, my friend.
Tried to download free e-book, but only get message that I’m already subscribed. Really would like to read your book. Thanks.
I’ll email you a PDF.
Brief and pithy piece. I agree that we are each and collectively responsible for our words and actions and that they have meaning and real power. It’s up to us to choose wisely on our own behalf and in consideration of others who are here and will be here after we’re gone. I think that philosophy is really at the root of most spiritual/ religious doctrines. It’s not enough to follow the dogma, of any sort, without awareness of where it’s taking us.
What you do matters … WHAT you do matters … What YOU do matters …What you DO matters … What you do MATTERS.
Carry on, Craig. You’re always interesting.
Peace J
(So tired over here in the dark northeast that I mis-spelled my first name and didn’t notice.)
Hear! hear! Craig
That is how it is. Not forgetting that even every word counts.
Someone said that the meaning of life is death.
Another said that meaning is from the responsibilities you take.
(Self)knowledge, insightful learning, discovering meaning… Isn’t this the crucial framework needed to cope with our enormous planetary ‘anthropocene’ challenges?
I agree with Sartre in the sense that the human being is a conscious and free being, but for me the freedom is not just a natural gift but a conscious effort made by every human being. The daily effort will lead our lives towards our goals, that effort we need to do against the society imposes us.
Many of the people only follow current trends without think about the consequences. They prefers do not take that freedom and remain slaves of the socio-economic environment. If you ask a person if you agree with environmental protection, rational use of resources, participatory democracy, his answer will be yes. Then you wonder how it is that mankind is doing wrong things, why if we recognize that there is a need to change we do not it?. When we ask them, who is the responsible for this change?, In more the answer will be that the authorities are responsible, the neighbor next door, supermarket retailers, are the other people who have to change. It is when we realize that freedom is useless and even harmful if the person who makes use of this is not responsible. So we need the rules to properly lead humanity, but if the rules are wrong or malicious, They will use the power of people to do further damage. The truth is that change of thought begins in the mind but also requires effort, and effort will be made only if we are responsible and consistent with what we think, change must begin with ourselves not in the others. When we understand this we will have started the right way
There is a quote attributed – probably erroneously – to Marcus Aurelius, “Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”
For me, it’s plain that we all leave our little marks on the world, and there are an awful lot of us here, so it will be a better world for all of us – in any case – if we all strive honorably and compassionately to make it so.
when people are not aware of their reality is hard to do the right things although we wish. The road to hell is paved with good intentions
However, the road to heaven – for those of us who believe there is one – is certainly not paved with bad intent. I would estimate he chances of greed and conflict leading us all to paradise are about the same as a person passing naked and unscathed through the sun. While awareness of reality is prerequisite for reliable success, it seems wildly unlikely that a combination of honor and compassion would steer one far wrong under any circumstances.
To be honest, I’ve never understood the quote about the “road to hell.” Personally, I believe that all we can ask of people is to act with good intentions. I must be missing something obvious here….
I believe that if we join the love, respect and the knowledge, thinking about our actions, we could obtain better results. The compasion is only one of the aspects of love like the respect. But develop an ideal love, requires us an effort too, because our nature is egoist
Craig – Perhaps the obvious that you are missing is that you’re reading action into the quote. Good intentions without action aren’t worth much. Quote aside, I would add that the good intentions of some create unintended, and too often, negative, consequenses for others. I prefer the “Do no harm” approach whether one applies it to people or the environment. Take care.
Oh, I guess that’s exactly right. Thanks.
This may be an excellent place to begin the study of ourselves; just who we are. To me, this world has no meaning at all, in itself. It is an entirely neutral thing. We lay meaning upon it with our thots about it. It is, after all, made in our minds, where all Creation is. How we choose to configure our “thot system” (my word abbreviation for thought), determines what meaning it will have for us. In this one choice is where we will fail or thrive as a species. It is also the level of spirit, or more accurately, Holy Spirit, which is the connection between our mind and Perfect Peace, also known as God. As we developed our conciousness, or self perception, we also saw the need for an “operating system” much like te OS used in present day computers, but for our own “bio dynamic computer” which is fully capable of re-configuring itself, or healing. It is realized by manya peacefull mind that this is actually the only way that true healing can, and does actually occur. Fearful minds close off from new thots and atrophy and die sooner than minds that open, eventually to the entire universe of what is. All thot extends like itself.
All thot becomes form on some level, and it is only on the level of thot that choice is possible. We are responsible for what we think. These laws of mind are not up for debate, having come from Loving Spirit, or truth as it simply is. You can, and may, choose another way, and will be afforded the path that choice offers. We think the choices are many, and they are known by many names, but at the core of our being, this one choice is essential; truth or illusion, fear or Love, extending or closing off, true or untrue, God or the ego. They mean the same thing to our mind. The battle of the chaotic mind is on this level, and untill this one choice is made, their is no true progress for openly sentient beings.
Hi Craig. Thank you for your great work! Cant download it, please email the PDF version of RE Fact and Figures and Environmentalism ….. Thank you and more power from the
Philippines ….. VerR
We must understand, even the things we define as happiness exists within the framework of the universe.
The statement: “we live in a universe that has no meaning–one that is coldly indifferent to us and our happiness—and that it’s up to all of us to confer meaning onto our lives.” Is not entirely true.
When we take this position we hold ourselves separate and apart from the very thing that sustains us. Yes! We define who and what we are to be but our ability to do so is not independent but interdependent.
As an analogy, we understand that potential energy (even-though not being utilized this very instant) is there waiting to happen within the system that sustains it. So it is with ourselves relative to the universe–it is no different.
The statement: “Considering that you’re a 2GreenEnergy reader, it’s a good bet that a significant part of your life’s meaning is your dedication to making the world a better place via responsible stewardship of the natural environment.”
Recognition of the order of the natural world, our place in it, and good stewardship of its resources speaks to the degree of enlightenment and well being we’re able to achieve as a species and whether or not we can avoid extinction.
Wow, that’s a terrific comment. Thanks very much.