by Al Chadwick

It is amazing how little we actually learn from experience sometimes.

Intolerance, arrogance, apathy, greed, and an inability to compromise at all levels have been common human failures throughout history. It seems like an inborn human compulsion to repeat these actions, implying a hereditary or youthfully acquired source. So many characteristics, such as physical features, traits, and susceptibility to certain ailments seem to support this conclusion. Some of our traits, such as concern for or prejudice toward others are certainly passed along during youth. Even in the case of wild animals, their relationships to humans and other animals are learned responses. So many different animals can be raised successfully as pets, especially when the process starts early enough, with genuine care.

History is quite clear that man can learn, and in many ways, man’s relationships with nature and with other people have improved. Any periods of peace during the times of ancient Greece, Rome, or the Middle Ages were simply brief interludes between wars, with regard for fellow humans at an especially low level. More recently, man’s concern for his environment has resulted in the beginnings of a mature and thoughtful approach to his past disregard for his affect on nature.

Another problem of great concern is the accelerating pace of overpopulation. Forty years ago the world’s population was approximately 3 billion. Today it is a little more than 6 billion, and experts predict that world population will increase by another 6 billion people in the next 40 years. Our future affect on our environment, along with a need for resources such as food and energy, will be of overwhelming proportions. If we have problems now, what will the next 40 years bring? Success in the past does not ensure future success. The problem of overpopulation must be addressed.

Growth forever on our planet cannot possibly continue without significant disruptions that could threaten the human experiment. A refusal to address our situation with intelligence could certainly result in a reversal of any progress we have made over recorded history.