Institutional Zeitgeist October 25, 2008
Posted by Stewart in All posts.Tags: change, energy, institutions, sustainable development, zeitgeist
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Various thoughts have circulated my psyche since watching the documentary film Zeitgeist: Addendum (2008), by Paul Joseph. Though I rigorously disagree with many of the film’s premises, I was interested and intrigued by its exploration of institutional power and its tendency towards profit and self-preservation, where self-sufficiency is considered unfavorable to the institution’s interests as its removes control of resources away from the institution and into the hands of the individual, thereby diminishing the relevance of the institution in society.
I pondered to myself: Where does the electricity that powers this computer come from? It comes from an energy corporation, one of many throughout the world’s college of corporate institutions. What we understand about such institutions is that they are profit-based, and hence oriented toward self-preservation. Energy independence, describing a source of energy that is beyond their control, is thus not favourable to the institution’s interests as it would threaten both its profits and relevance in society. This attitude of institutional self-preservation, one may postulate, is inhibitory to developing effective strategies that promote self-sufficiency, as it seeks to consolidate control over resources in the hands of institutional bodies. The general public, therefore, is rendered dependent upon these institutions to provide it with the resources and energy that it requires. If the public were self-sufficient, these institutions would loose all relevance in society.
Sustainable development describes the simultaneous occurrence of growth and the preservation of natural resources for future generations of humanity. Should self-sufficiency, that is, the energy independence of each household, be the goal of sustainable development? My theory is that self-sufficiency is a source of empowerment as one has control over one’s own resources, as compared to the institutionalised control of resources that is currently prevalent.
Just a contemplation.
I further agree with the film’s premise that “the most relevant change must occur first inside of you. The real revolution is the revolution of consciousness.” This notion reflects the understanding that authentic change begins from within and that permeates through a person’s character, enacted and modeled in their own example, and so encouraging others to follow. This form of authentic change is difficult and challenging to attain, uphold and permeate throughout one’s own life, but it is the truest change because it comes from the heart.
Contemplating Change September 24, 2008
Posted by Stewart in All posts.Tags: change, dynamic, nature, philosophy, stasis
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It seems almost characteristically human that we human beings desire to lock favorable traits and circumstances in a state of enduring stasis. We desire to keep what is favorable in a state of constant preservation, free from change, alteration or modification – immutable in a sense. It is like locking something, usually precious, in a deep vault in the corner, attempting to secure it there where it is one’s vain hope that it will not become subject to any change from the outside world; that it will be preserved and endure. In the short-term, this hope is not vain. However, in the long-term, it is inevitable that even the vault itself will change form as time corrodes its exterior, laying bare its interior.
Despite these desires, however strong they may be, nature is dynamic. Its various environmental factors are in constant change, most of which is beyond our control. Change in environmental conditions is the driving force behind adaptation. We adapt to our dynamic environment in order to best survive and navigate it successfully. Without change in the environment, whatever that change may be, there would be no development, no evolution, no formation of character or conscience. In that sense, change, though we may not always like it, is necessary for growth to occur, and while we may resist it at times, change seems not only inevitable in this world, but necessary for its development.
A call to change September 7, 2008
Posted by Stewart in All posts.Tags: change, discipline, hypocrisy
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Ashleigh recently remarked, “It’s the little things that matter Ben. Who cares if you can get an A+ if you can’t even stick by your principles.” I hold no mask any longer – my inner hypocrisy is revealed. Yet this moment of terrible realization also presents a wonderful opportunity – a call to change; change from within.
I have previously stated in another post that I believe that real change begins from within, and herein lies the challenge I must confront. That challenge now is to change from within, and to allow that change to permeate throughout my conduct. The challenge is to exercise discipline in my behaviour, and to integrate my beliefs with my actions. Alone I cannot achieve this, I know that.
I feel direction-less sometimes, superficial even, and vain. Preaching one thing and then conducting differently. This must end, and I must make an effort. For me this realization is a personal milestone.
You may have noticed that recently my posts have been focused upon character, with the emphasis placed on the ‘act’ within the term. That particular post, on character, provides some indication of why I believe it is important, and therefore, why I believe I must change.
Change… December 5, 2007
Posted by Stewart in All posts.Tags: change
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I believe that there is glory in humility,
that greatness exists in the simple things,
that ordinary people can do extraordinary things,
to make a difference,
to change the world.
Ponderings on change October 20, 2007
Posted by Stewart in All posts.Tags: change
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This week is anti-poverty week and this week I stood up with others, in my cohort, in my school and in the world, in united solidarity, against depravity. We took a pledge together, something I take very seriously. Today, I walked through Keilor Downs and pondered to myself about change and considered many wise sayings about how to change the world, and then I realized that change begins within oneself, as Mahatma Gandhi said, you must “Be the change you wish to see in the world”, for in that way, one can truly by example. Change then spreads, from person to person, and like the small stones that begin an avalanche, it gains momentum.
I then began to ponder what my greatest achievement was, and I realized that it was not something trivial or remarkable, but rather something simple… making a person smile, for all the right reasons. I also began to think about my greatest regret and I concluded that it was making a person shed their tears because of sadness or hurt that I had caused. Through combining the two, I realized my goal in life. My goal in life is not to do one great thing, but rather, to do many simple things with great love. It was Mother Teresa who wisely advised to “Do small things with great love.” Such advice I take now to heart and pray to synthesise into my behaviour.
