When looking for wisdom, much can be found in Isaac Asimov’s science fiction. When looking for action, we need look no farther than our own behavior.
When looking for wisdom, much can be found in Isaac Asimov’s science
fiction. When looking for action, we need look no farther than our own
behavior.
In Asimov’s The Naked Sun,we encounter a truth being played out
today, not a thousand years from now. Earth is overpopulated with people
living in urban centers hoardingwhat little privacy and minor amenities they
can. Solaria, a distant planet, is populated by an extravagantly wealthy
elite, so separated from commoners that the very tang of an undesired
encounter sends theminto self-gratifying apoplexies.
Today’s Earth is much like Asimov’s Solaria and Earth. But where is the world wisdom?
It manifests in the marvelous ways we have developed to counter depravation and
disconnect: videoconferencing andretreat centers. We have wisely developed
both, nearly to an art, certainly to a practicality and necessity. With
video conferencing, we travel the globe without poisoning its air, without
imposing on an underpaid service class, without buying newleather luggage or
sweatshop designer suits. We minimize our ecological footprint while
maximizing our global reach.We find each other among billions.
This is a world wisdom that brings together the young who understand the technology
and the old who find it difficult to travel. With a refurbished computer and
$10 camera, we can see anyone, talk to anyone, share with anyone around the
world. But, if we remote-conference our way to the smallest impact
possible—with no sharing in the way that only physical contact with the dirt
at our feet, the sun on our faces, the hugs from a new friend can
communicate—don’t we risk the fate of Solaria? Not us. At the same time that
more people are braving the cyber world of streaming video,more andmore of
us are lingering near streams. We’re organizing retreats on mountainsides,
seasides, state parks, national parks, private property, community property,
close to home and far in the wilds. These aren’t retreats we are forced to
endure for the sake of a job or the obligatory family reunion. These are
spiritual adventures enjoyed with colleagues and families. We’re sharing
picnics on reclaimed farmland, kayaking in protected wetlands, dreaming
under stars, real stars peaking through the open flaps of hemp tents. What
is our wisdom in action? Knowing that we must reduce our impact on the Earth
and knowing that commensurately we must increase our contact with each
other. With all the truth in Asimov’s fiction, it is just that – fiction.We
have the ability to create our true future, and we’re using every means, new
technology and old techniques, to do so.
Rosalinda Lidh, Assistant to Hazel Henderson