Page 20 - Zen of an Earth Mythology

material contributions have also created biophysical
problems of immense complexity, caused dangers of

enormous consequence, and presented ethical
dilemmas that often seem unsolvable.

This is not entirely the fault of science—its

insights and applications have been largely shaped by
the influence of the mythology in which it developed.

But if we are to improve our civilization's prognosis and
nature's stability by changing our values and

behaviour, then we must find a way to change the
structure underlying the metaphors that motivate our

energies and that direct the application of our
technologies.

Despite the urgent need, a replacement

mythology will arrive neither quickly nor obviously.
Because it is so basic to our way of being, it will creep

upon us slowly as it gradually but inexorably infiltrates

our consciousness, alters our perceptions, renovates
our perspectives, rearranges our priorities, transforms
our relationships, and redirects our actions. More than

anything else, however, the changes induced by this

new mythology must guide us to a new respect for
nature, and initiate the corrective measures that will
ameliorate the dire environmental threats we are

inflicting on ourselves.

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