Surviving Progress

Every Time History Repeats Itself, The Price Goes Up: Interesting Approach, But Very Broad Topic
In the new documentary "Surviving Progress," once again we learn that man is his own worst enemy. It's an oft-told tale, but one that holds true as we look at the results surrounding us every day. With glimpses of social turmoil, economic upheaval, and ecological devastation--the movie (at only 87 minutes) really veers all over the place. In this structure, many interesting topics are introduced but nothing is dissected in much depth. That is both one of the picture's strengths and one of its weaknesses. I absolutely won't fault the ambitious scope of the film which certainly gives one much to ponder. Some of the focal points were quite familiar, while some were not. But all were easily worth revisiting (or visiting for the first time). It's a compelling argument that not all perceived advances are really worth the toll they are taking on the world. And this documentary examines some examples from around the globe.

A number of familiar figures populate "Surviving Progress"...

World in crisis 101
This is one of what has become a genre of films reflecting upon the crossroads looming up for mankind and the beautiful blue marble we call home. This particular entry takes a broad rather than deep approach. It serves as an interesting and thoughtful overture to understanding the slow motion pit of social, financial, and economic quicksand we are sinking deeper into year after year. It also serves as as a refresher course for those who have been educating themselves on this topic through film, reading, and other means. Some of the highlights of this production are:

> That the human brain has not evolved much for the last 50,000 years, and as a result human beings still think in terms of short term needs fulfillment

> That the unending drive toward "progress" can be self-defeating in the end

> The danger posed from further depleting the "capitol" reserves provided by nature (water, air, natural resources, etc.)

> How debt grows more rapidly...

Very, very eye opening.
I have been thinking about the topics in this film for several years now, and my brother told me about this movie, he watched it on Netflix I believe.

I wish that everyone in the world could see this movie, and totally understand what rampant consumerism and greed is doing to our planet, then maybe we could force the wall street bankers and economists to change the way we value, but like Vaclav Smil said, what do we do?

"I’m inoculated against any doctrinaire, grand solutions, saying, you know: this is the pattern, this is the master, this is the paradigm which we have to follow..."
-Vaclav Smil global energy expert

How can we reach people and let them know about what WILL happen if things continue as they are now? I have no clue. All I can do is live life here on earth in the most sustainable way possible, I owe it to the future, even though I have no children and hence no real stake in the future, but just for man kind's sake and...

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