Learning from mistakes gives life meaning

To the editor,

After the evolution of life produced the human species, man's upward progress began with the use of tools, fire, language, and cooperation, but it took thousands of years to increase the population and establish agriculture and small towns, which made life much easier and more secure. Big cities followed, and then came tradesmen, artists, different social classes and the kingdoms of royal families. The church authorities of Europe enforced “God's law” and ministered to the general population during the dark ages of human history. In the 15th century, there was a period of Enlightenment that inspired ideas of self awareness and the use of reason, resulting in the Protestant Reformation and a weakening of religious authority to some extent, allowing many ordinary people to begin thinking for themselves.

The European Enlightenment was characterized by a gradual emergence of liberal ideals about human rights, as well as the use of common sense and a mistrust of religion. The “Enlightenment” was a turning point in human progress that led to the American Revolution and the establishment of an entirely new system of government that favored the people, as well as business and industry.

In recent years, scientific advances have resulted in the excessive use of fossil fuel, which caused global warming and a change in weather patterns. Shortages of water, food and fuel are expected, and changes in our standard of living will be required to insure our continued survival. A general lack of knowledge about the reflective properties of carbon dioxide caused the Earth's temperature to rise, but science now understands the problem and will find a solution. In the meantime, ordinary people need a new “Enlightenment” concerning the value of life, the culture, and mankind's place in the scheme of things.

Evidently, the “good of the group” was at the base of Neanderthal culture, which sustained our species from the very beginning. We may have overlooked it during our recent surge of modern progress, and to find out if that is so, we need to honestly examine our conscience, as well as the basic principles and values of modern culture, which has obviously lost its way. We need to “Enlighten” ourselves about the “good of the group” and accept the realities of constant change, which is an ever-present feature of the universe and the realm of life —where “change is the law of growth.”

Because of being born with a blank mind, human beings will continue to seek knowledge and overcome needless suffering as much as possible, and man's upward progress will continue as long as individuals overcome ignorance and superstition. At this stage of our existence, learning from our mistakes is what gives meaning to our life —and a sustainable future for our descendants.

Art Carney

Wasilla