Radical acceptance

Yesterday we were out with friends, I've been back in Istanbul for a few weeks and we had been talking about the places in the world where we could live in the future, taking climate change and other vectors into account. A friend brought up acceptance and we as humans are very changeable. If you remember, I've written about this before. What exactly does "radical acceptance" mean to me? It expresses the realization that any technological society that is dependent on limited resources is doomed to failure. This has been true from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and is even more relevant in the age of industrial revolutions. The reason is simple: societies use up their basic resources - be it fertile soils, forests or minerals such as coal, lithium and copper - millions of times faster than they can be replenished. The concepts of recycling and "sustainability" may slow this consumption somewhat, though not in practice. Furthermore, the ideals of the 'circular economy' and 'renewable energy' are essentially myths that we comfort ourselves with to ward off fears. It is a harsh truth, but the decline of our techno-industrial civilization is not only inevitable, it has already begun.

The only form of civilization (if it can even be called that) that has demonstrated any semblance of sustainability is the simple hunter-gatherer society, possibly supplemented by rudimentary agroforestry, pottery and simple metallurgy. Any progress beyond this level in the past has led to the degradation of the land and the depletion of key resources. Nevertheless, I am not advocating an immediate return to primitive life. Such a regression is unlikely for billions of people who are dependent on modern agriculture, synthetic fertilizers and various pesticides. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize this development and reflect on the sustainability of our current lifestyle.

Acceptance comes from understanding the reality - that the exploitation of finite resources in an unsustainable way leads to their depletion and environmental degradation. All technological advances transform natural resources into products and services at the expense of the environment and accelerate the process of depletion and pollution. There is a direct correlation: more technology means more consumption and more pollution. This cycle of depletion and pollution is undeniable.

Many find this perspective discouraging and question the future quality of life. My response is aimed at perspective: the realization that our current way of life, dependent on finite resources, cannot continue indefinitely. This realization does not stem from a lack of empathy - I too value my family and the amenities of our society. However, I have come to terms with the transience of the pinnacle of our civilization and have prepared myself for the potential hardships that future generations may face due to our current lifestyle.

This acceptance is not about resignation, but about recognizing the natural evolution of civilizations as complex adaptive systems that follow the laws of thermodynamics. We are part of a larger evolutionary experiment that is nearing its end, not because of malice, but because of the inevitable consequences of our actions.

This "radical acceptance" is not synonymous with despair, but with a realistic recognition of the path our species is on. It is about recognizing that our current path is not sustainable and preparing for a future that is more closely aligned with the sustainable practices of our ancestors. It's about recognizing that the end of our high-tech era could usher in a time of regeneration and realignment with the planet's natural systems.

“radical acceptance" means acknowledging our place in the Earth's ecosystem and recognizing that moving away from technology-driven solutions could ultimately be more harmonious and sustainable. It is a call to live within our means, to respect the limits of our planet and to place hope in the resilience of nature and human ingenuity.

Until our next meeting,

M

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