I notice
that the number of concrete trucks on the roads is decreasing a bit around the
place where I live. For years 1 out of three trucks was a concrete truck. Now
that is perhaps one out of four. I think it shows some stagnation in the
economy. But still, building continues steadily and not just here in Thailand.
After all, we all go for progress in this world.
Not only
in construction but also in technology, "progress and growth" is made
if you believe the stories and media. Things you buy faster are old and need to
be replaced is what marketing tells you. And you want to stay ‘part of the group’
so you replace.
I really
would not know how my grandfathers and grandmothers would survive if they came
back in this modern and digital age.
As a
child, I heard and saw stories that in the future we would be walking around in
a kind of aluminum moon-suits. With the news of recent months about flu
viruses, it seems true. And let's remain serious that predicted fashion has not
become real, although fragments of it have indeed proved true.
The
American president preaches that we are going to visit Mars. Again, a huge
investment and economical growth. Isn’t it time first we start to live at and
organize tourist trips to the moon? (Just kidding).
Economy
has fat and lean years. But if, generally taken, it is really always
sustainable progress and growth? I wonder myself more and more.
In the short-term
satisfaction of by marketing produced consumers desires. In my opinion,
long-term thinking, which means the future for the next generation, seems far
away. It's all about (money) now or now that money, and "I" and what
comes later isn’t an item for now at all. The new generation will help
themselves. Maybe not a crazy reasoning at all, because it has been like that
in all ages so far.
What we
might lose sight of is that growth and development no longer run as steady,
straight ascending lines, but have become exponential and are completely out of
control.
As if it
should all be done today. We are in a hurry and there seems to be no time to
lose. It is good for us (or for the other person's wallet). After all, time
(and future) may run out, so sometimes it seems.
But
really progress?
Nature
holds up the mirror to us but we refuse to look into it. Record after record
(in the negative sense) is broken. And it is not only nature that gets sick.
People are also becoming more and more sick and lonely. Personal loans can no
longer be dragged on (after all, you cannot be left behind to continue to buy).
We live
on an economic bubble. Houses are empty (at least here and at this moment) and
tourists stay away…
My
girlfriend recently told me that nature will ultimately be the winner. I think
she is right and that all that so-called growth and progress will have brought
more and more victims and demolition than we ever loved ...
Gangey Gruma (Frans Captijn)
email: captijninsight@gmail.com
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Captijn Insight. Catalyst in developing tranquility & in-sight to get in a sustainable way real connection, purpose, pleasure and flow in life, love, family, business, career and work again.
