The Meaning of Social-Environmental Sustainability - Economics and Ecology: United for a Sustainable World - page 127

the “next frontier” and “manifest destiny.” We in these United States are the
best example. Today, however, there is nowhere left on Earth to go.
Yet, having learned little or nothing from history, our civilization is cur-
rently destroying the environment from which it sprang and on which it
relies for continuance. Civilization as we know it cannot, therefore, be the
final evolutionary stage for human existence. But what lies beyond our
current notion of civilization? What is the next frontier for “civilized”
people to conquer? Is it outer space, as is so often stated? No reasonable
person believes that is possible, especially given the short time we have
with any modicum of available resources. What then? It is inner space, the
conquest of oneself, which many assert is life's most difficult task. As the
Buddha said, “Though he should conquer a thousand men in the battle-
field a thousand times, yet he, indeed, who would conquer himself is the
noblest victor.” 4
In the material world, self-conquest means bringing one's thoughts and
behaviors in line with the immutable biophysical laws to which we have
often referred. In the spiritual realm, this means disciplining one's thoughts
and behaviors in accord with the highest spiritual/social truths handed
down throughout the ages. It can be stated as simply as love your neighbor
as yourself, and treat others as you want them to treat you.
The outcome of self-conquest is social-environmental-economic sustain-
ability, which must be the next cultural stage toward which we struggle.
Social-environmental-economic sustainability is the frontier beyond self-
centeredness and its stepchild, destructive conflict, which destroys human
dignity, degrades an ecosystem's productive capacity, and thus forecloses
options for all generations.
The necessary adjustments will not come easily or smoothly, because “A
great many people,” as American psychologist William James observed,
“think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their preju-
dices.” 5 Change, on the other hand, is about choices, those with which we
either free or imprison ourselves.
Finally, as a practical matter, and derived from conclusions reached
throughout this work, we offer some characteristics to look for and promote
in the real world which would empower you in helping to create a commu-
nity and an economy where equity and justice can thrive:
• Produce for your own necessities for local use—not just for export.
• Consider small-scale operations as vital as large scale operations.
• Promote local ownership and control.
• Use locally available resources, including workers, before search-
ing elsewhere.
• Value those tools that enhance a worker's power over the machines,
which replace human usefulness and ingenuity.