A middle class white guy comes to grips with Peak Oil, Climate Change, Mass Extinction, Population Overshoot and the demise of the American Lifestyle.

From the author;
“Hundreds of my readers have told me that my novel Ishmael should be read in every high school classroom in the world. Naturally I’d be delighted to see this happen, but I really think it would be more to the point to have What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire seen in every high school classroom in the world! The two hours of this documentary are two hours that bring hope for the future of humanity by awakening and informing in the most profound yet lucid way imaginable”

 
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The following describes the ancient art of ‘Alchemy’ (from which the word “chemistry” was derived):

Alchemy is an ancient tradition, the primary objective of which was the creation of the mythical “philosopher’s stone,” which was said to be capable of turning base metals into gold or silver, and also act as an elixir of life that would confer youth and immortality upon its user. As practiced historically, alchemy can be viewed as a protoscience, a precursor to modern chemistry, having provided procedures, equipment, and terminology that are still in use. However, alchemy also included various non-scientific mythological, religious, and spiritual concepts, theories and practices.

History

You may well ask yourself, “How does the practice of alchemy relate to oneself?”

Well, before I try to answer that question, many alchemists have attempted and failed to achieve this so-called “philosopher’s stone”, whilst some have claimed to have discovered this elusive magical solution.

But in most cases, these stories (or myths) have been mostly put down to con artists who dabbled in the occult and alchemy so to get rich off gullible Kings who in turn thought that they would become even wealthier than they already were.

However, whatever the truth may have been regarding the history (or legend) of the alchemist’s ambition of transmuting lead into gold, there lies a more than allegorical meaning that we can apply to ourselves in terms of developing our own spiritual, mental and physical lives.

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Continuing on the theme of “Man vs. Nature”, in the following eloquent presentation Richard Heinberg critiques the devastating impact on the planet and ourselves inflicted by supposed civilized societies.

Heinberg argues the case for us to regain some of the primitive but wise values of past civilizations (and still present in small pockets in remote places), which may help promote peaceful cooperation betweeen human beings and the conservation of nature, before the unthinkable happens.

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An unfortunate observation that we all should be aware of: not only do we wish to dominate and exploit other human beings, we also participate in the apparent madness of raping and pillaging the earth of its natural resources whilst, inexplicably, diminishing its life sustaining powers.

With Man’s celebrated Champion called “Technology”, as it continues its determined mission towards conquering “Nature”, I cannot help notice that despite the huge advances and worship of this ubiquitous creation, we are inadvertently disconnecting from each other and destroying the very source of our sustenance.

In fact, our progression in terms of technological and scientific advancements only serves to highlight the apparent but simultaneous regression of human consciousness, common sense and wisdom.

Surely something has gone wrong here?

We have seemingly created a terrifying monster that is suppose to aid us but instead hinders our mental and spiritual growth, as we become ever more dependant on its dangerously mesmerising charms.

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With the current overload of media coverage on the earthquake/tsunami disaster in Japan, have we not forgotten that we are at the very whim of nature’s changing mood?

What is happening in Japan with the tragic loss of life, possessions and obvious suffering is most sad, but we must keep it all in perspective.

We must try to remain rational and not be too grief stricken as I implore you to look at the bigger picture of life and events on this vulnerable planet.

What can we do as human beings regarding nature’s necessary act of cleansing it’s body (Earth) from time to time?

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