Humans are a highly destructive species. Too often, we show little or no regard for the natural world, and the results are plain to see. From throwing trash on the landscape to strip mining, we leave the ugly scars of our presence.
Yet, nature seems to find a way to overcome our ignorance and recklessness.
“Nature is often hidden, sometimes overcome, seldom extinguished.”-Francis Bacon
I go out less these days. The traffic, noise and crass behavior of humans is too much. Instead, I spend more time in my garden, watching the birds, talking to my dog and cat. They’re great listeners.
I often contemplate the folly of humans. Our profound ignorance. But I also consider the simple genius of the Sioux, moving as environmental and seasonal conditions changed. Moving south in the winters, north in the summers. A better lifeway.
And what do we do? We build enormous cities and golf courses in deserts and destroy the delicate balance of ecosystems systems. It’s because we have a ravenous appetite for development and profits. Money lust.
Black Elk aptly described our money lust when he first encountered white men, Wasichu, on the Madison Fork during the gold rush. He described gold as “yellow metal that they worship and that makes them crazy.”
Truer words were never spoken.
Brown Dirt Cowboy 