The enormous task of man

THE EDITOR: No human alive or dead ever choose the place he or she wanted to be born in, his or her race, his or her parents or his or her physical attributes. Although a person will make numerous decisions in their lifetime, they have very little or no control over their overall health or the moment of their demise. No human being has been able to prevent themselves from dying.

Despite the obvious vulnerability of mankind, many people boast about their race, their wealth, their culture and their social status. In the very short time man may exist on Earth, most seem not only concerned with their own survival, but also to exploit the sufferings and struggles of the less fortunate to bolster and improve their chances of survival and to maximise their social position.

It is not unusual in nature for the strong to survive. In many species, the strong literally eats the weak. The animal instinct to protect one’s property is common among many species. In some cases animals fight to death to preserve property.

Humans are supposed to be different from the ordinary animal. Born with animal features, organs, blood and flesh, man is supposed to be one of the few animals, if not the only one, with the capacity to think, to reason and to apply those superior intellectual properties to rule the world.

It is man’s responsibility and no one else’s to preserve the planet, to ensure the survival of the species and to encourage peace and harmony among all mankind. The extent to which man succeeds depends on the level of his or her intellectual advancement.

As knowledge increases among the species, there will be an understanding of the technology that governs all creation, leading to major technical advancements. Intellectual development and understanding will lead one to recognise that the survival of the species is extremely fragile and can only be saved from ultimate extinction if there is peace among all men.

It is that understanding that has led to organisations like the United Nations. The commitment to the peaceful coexistence of man is at constant battle with the animal instincts that seek survival at the expense of the weak. That part of man that causes one to dedicate one’s life to loving one another, to peace and to preserving the planet is seen by many as the spiritual characteristic of man – his soul. There has been no scientific proof that man has a spirit or a soul, but man has a superior intellect to that of the other animals.

If there is any truth to man having a soul, if there is any truth to man being a superior being, if there is any truth to man’s unique ability to think and act individually and wisely, then there must be a concerted effort to save the planet and preserve the species.

That task, that enormous responsibility, lies with every one of us.

STEVE ALVAREZ

via e-mail