rattus rattus’ blog

In a nice lecture series on human ecology (PDFs) I recently asked the lecturers and the audience what we can agree upon. My question was provoked since many lecturers repeatedly stressed the importance of diversity and tolerance. Anyway, my question was at most answered by silence.

So, I asked: “Can we agree upon the fact that we should agree upon something,” which in fact led to quite a discussion about what we might agree upon (for instance a discussion of indicators of sustainable development). One argument chased another only until someone asked why after all we have to agree upon something. Well, of course, they clearly see a need for diversity and alternatives, also in regard to strategies and opinions.

I then asked: “You mean we should agree that we should not agree?”

It’s often quite amazing how one stumbles across a new idea, picture, hint, or quote: Currently, I am thinking my bit about Global Change. Then a dear friend reminded me of a picture that I once found showing a bear all covered in snow and ice, and the text said “Tested under extreme conditions”. I thought: “Well, we might need that soon.” And shortly after that: “No, wait, we are tested. Most of us for many years, even decades.”

When I searched the web for sources of the phrase “tested under extreme conditions” I found a quote by St. Augustine:

“Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.”

— St. Augustine

So this is hope. And, anger was what I felt about how the threats of Global Change are being dealt with. Am I courageous enough to see that things do not remain as they are? And, that an uncertain future certainly is one of these things? Do I have the courage to see that things are going to change and that this very change might change?