Role of Identity in Cultural/Spiritual Evolution

The times are fraught with difficulties for the human race and for all the creatures of this planet. We must be asking ourselves: who are we that we have come to this place? We have built cities of cement and tarmac that contain masses of people running about like ants. We cut down our forests, where most of our oxygen originates. We pollute our planet's air and waters. We are killing ourselves and our planet. Who are we? And will we find a way to move reverse the damage we have done and grow back into environmentally sustainable lives? Is "civilization" really a manifestation of "advancement"? Are we really more advanced than those who built Stonehenge -- or those who left no footprint behind? Or do we really have to move backwards to evolve into something better?

These questions go to the core of who and what we are, because we can only act consistent with our identity. If we see ourselves as a good people, but the results of our goodness is harm to t... more