Socrates said that the best way to live a good life is to know yourself. In the twentieth century, knowing yourself meant introspection, the practice of looking within popularized by Freudian psychoanalysis. But introspection can easily lead to navel gazing, self love and egoism. Such narcissism is unlikely to help deal with the big problems that threaten human society … [Read more...]
Making utopia practical
In nearly a half century fighting abuses of power, Ralph Nader has seen the worst in people, from venality in politicians to arrogance in corporate executives. And Nader knows as well as anyone that corporate control of Washington has kept the US from implementing the policy we need to fight climate change and prepare for peak oil. Now, Nader's written his first novel, "Only … [Read more...]
Americans: hapless fools or budding heroes?
When you worry about peak oil and climate chaos, it's easy to get frustrated at the slow pace of change in the world's biggest economy and most powerful nation, the United States. For my part, I'd like to see my country start preparing for both of these civilization-shaking challenges yesterday rather than tomorrow. Though I'll gladly settle for tomorrow if the other choice is … [Read more...]