Yesterday, my sister Miriam Garvi wrote a post at the Vision Pioneers Blog that really touched me.
Nature (and the senseless abuse of limited resources) has been on my mind lately and the way our modern society exploits everything for a short-term benefit without any regards for the coming generation has touched a deeper cord in my heart.
Miriam’s post put words on my thoughts, and after talking about the knowledge process that we are meant to see as enlightenment, she writes:
What good is technological advancement, unless it allows for meaningful progress and prosperity for mankind? Can we claim to be enlightened, if we consume what is at our disposal, with no concern for the legacy that we will be leaving behind?
Miriam Garvi, When Progress Equals Devolution, Vision Pioneers
I think that if confronted with the question, most of us will answer no; we cannot consume what is at our disposal without taking into consideration the generation that is to come after us.
My mother invested decades of her life to see the poorest of the poor achieve a sustainable life thanks to the generous riches of nature’s pantry - knowledge that has been lost in the modern world. Today, a generation of bright and cheerful Eden children are growing up with an entirely different life grid. The Eden Gardens provide them with hope, means and opportunities. They are generous with their know-how, inspiring many.
When people here in Sweden ask me if it isn’t hard to live in Niger, I answer no, for in terms of meaningfulness, it is a privilege. Despite its seemingly nothingness and the upside-down aspect that Africa brings to any Westerner, my life makes sense there and so do the situations that I see. At the end of the day, I think we all want to achieve something that will leave a legacy for the coming generation.
For other recent thought-provoking posts by Miriam Garvi:
11 users commented in " The legacy we leave behind "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackEsther: I’m proud of you my friend for taking so a wonderful stand on life.
Esther, you are a very special person and I see your sister is as well. Your mum set the standard and now you are following in her footsteps. To enhance someone’s life is more important than any wealth or status. I applaud you and your family. (((Hugs)))
I’m with you on all that you and your sister wrote. We are the stewards of this beautiful Earth that is a gift from the Creator. My home is one of the in my neighborhood that does not spray the lawn. Grass is the number one crop grown in America. Foolishness, I say.
As I write, I’m listening to David Nevue (piano). His song “No More Tears” is currently playing. It’s tender melody inspires me to do what I can, albeit small steps, to help. Blessings and an Overflowing of Grace to those of you who dare to take BIG steps in honoring our resources.
~Maria
Meant to write: “My home is one of the FEW in my neighborhood that does not spray the lawn.”
oops
Unfortunately many have embraced the capatilistic attitude that places the value of money above life. This has lead to the greed of humankind at the cost of all else. Your sister and you are right on. Both so very fortunate to have been raised by parents who understood the need to help others. This value can be contagious and I see you passing it on. We all need to be part of global change. Great post.
I think you will appreciate the following video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbSe8Fl6wEY
Keep living your beliefs, Esther - the world needs more people like you and your family.
Very well expressed, thanks for sharing!
While I agree with your general premise, I also believe that technological advancement is currently being and will be used to create solutions to the environmental problems of the future.
The major obstacle is indeed greed, which is easily one of the biggest reasons as to why “developed” society immortalizes competition/the individual.
I completely agree and I can definitely understand how you would consider it a privilege to live in Niger. Yes, it may be different from what many people in other parts of the world are used to but what an incredible way to spend your days and know you are helping in some way.
I do worry about future generations and what will be left for them. With all of our seeming progress, we’re not paying attention to the earth and what we’re doing to it — not to mention what we’re doing to our bodies with all the additives and preservatives and other weird stuff we’re consuming to make profits for men on Wall Street.
Fascinating and thought-provoking post!