The War on....Life?

The overall argument and theme of Daniel Quinn's Ishmael is that current society has placed itself at odds with the rest of the planet. Current society does not see humanity as coexisting with the rest of the planet but as the owners of the planet. This core idea is completely and utterly true. You hear it all the time in one way another. However, most notably is the phrase "We are/I am/You are/He is/They are not an animal." Well, we are really. But it's a fact we often like to overlook. Why? Well it's hard to say. Daniel Quinn would have you believe it's because it's the only way for our culture to exist the way it does. Which, I would agree with. The animal kingdom must have a king, and humanity was destined to be crowned. Or so it seems.

But, why is the only way for our current culture to exist bound to our perception of humanity as the king of the kingdom? Well, it's because kings are not bound by rules. Kings bear great responsibility in return for this impunity. This impunity to nature has become intrinsic to humanity in it's recent rise. The average person on the average day, has no fear of nature. No fear of natural repercussions. No fear of global warming, over fishing, deforestation, and all the rest. I know I don't. But, I should. And so should the average person. But, that doesn't mean they will. Honestly, why would we? We're the king. A mismanaged kingdom is first felt by the peasantry and lastly by the king. In other words, the king may not realize he has completely failed his people until the very end, and, even then, he might not care. Will we care when our planet has revolted against us? When changing climates wreak havoc through extreme storms and flooding throughout the world?
Some kings sought the pleasure of material things in exchange for the well being of their people. Is it misguided to relate humanity to those sovereigns? I would say it seems to be the case. Humanity consumes and consumes and consumes. More and more everyday. More oil, more coal, more metals, more software, more technology, more food, more, more, more. Are we destined to become the aliens of science fiction masterpiece, Independence Day, starring Will Smith? A species that is equated to a swarm of locusts, moving from planet to planet simply taking and destroying? It's hard to say. Everyone the world over knows, from birth, humanity is destined for great things. Are we really? Or is our existence temporary? A fleeting infection, parasite, or virus from which the planet will have to recover? It's hard to say. Who are we? What are we? Why are we here? Why, why, why? It's hard to say.

One thing's for certain though. Currently, our society is at war with Earth. But it's a war we won't win. It's a war no one will win. It's a Cold War gone wrong, with both sides obliterated in the end. Ishmael's theme is a depressing one, but an important one. Say what you will about Daniel Quinn's writing (spoiler: it's not great) but I have to concede that the ideas he presents are important ones. Not just for the preservation of the human race but also for self-reflection. Quinn's Ishmael will leave you questioning. Whether that will have a positive impact on humanity? It's hard to say.