The Question Why

 The Question Why

In this the 21st century, humanity is floundering in spite of the great strides made in the understanding not only of human nature but also in comprehending so many aspects of the natural environment as well as the wider universe. In spite of this knowledge, humans have crafted a way of living that is not only unsustainable but also may threaten the very future of this species-Homo sapiens.

Hence the question why

· Why is it that so many humans and human societies still do not comprehend that all humans are members of the same species-the same human family where everyone should be treated as having equivalent value?

· Why is it that so many humans and human societies fail to recognize that life on planet earth is fragile and depends on a thin atmosphere for its supply of life giving oxygen, and unable to grasp the overwhelming reality that the complex interrelationships of diverse life forms and natural habitats need to be sustained to ensure the continued viability of life on earth?

· Why is it that so many humans and human societies claim that climate change is a questionable reality in spite of the overwhelming evidence for its existence?

· Why do so many humans and human societies remain ignorant of the inescapable reality that the present collective behavior of humanity threatens the viability of their own species?

· Why is it that so many humans and human societies engage in warfare with the aim of annihilating members of their own species who are perceived as a threat in spite of the fact that there are alternative paths to peaceful coexistence?

· Why is it that so many humans and human societies have forged social orders that give primacy to individual wealth and power while understanding that establishing such a hierarchy invariably creates a great deal of unnecessary human suffering and will more than likely lead to an unsustainable future?

· Why is it that so many humans and human societies remain insensitive to the suffering of others and fail to value the power of kindness, compassion and love and recognize that healthy and vibrant communities are richly endowed?


These questions do not represent a complete list. Many of these questions are not new - they have been asked repeatedly throughout the ages, yet they demand answers like never before. Collectively, we cannot continue to ravage the planet with such reckless abandon without ultimately experiencing the necessary consequences of our behavior.

This is why I have chosen to catalog these queries to give them their appropriate weight. In my thinking, we must repeatedly ask questions like these of ourselves if we are to truly see a meaningful change for the better.