Category: Environmental awareness

What if…

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, LoveLeave a comment

What if things are the way they are because they simply are…

What if we are all finding our way around and we aren’t really intentionally trying to hurt anyone or harm the environment, or if we do, it is because we don’t know what we are doing?

What if there is no conspiracy of the elite or illuminati controlling the world as they (if there is a “they”) are just as clueless as any one of us?

What if the environmental crisis is part of the evolutionary process in which we make choices based on what we know so far, not because fossil fuels are “bad” in and of themselves but because we only figured out how to use them in the beginning, and by the time we realised they caused serious pollution problems, some of us were too attached to the profits to let go of them and switch to cleaner energy alternatives?

What if there is no such thing as “good people” or “bad people” but only people existing on a continuum and making choices as we go along that make us look “good” or “bad” in the eyes of others at a particular point in time?

What if… ?

For even the most vile person ever known on Earth would have done something “good” in his or her life, and even the most saintly person ever existed on Earth would have done something “bad” in his or her life.

When we talk about “bad people”, the infamous names such as Adolf Hitler would come to mind. As atrocious as his crimes towards humanity are, I believe he would have at least done some kind deeds in his life when he was younger. Maybe he helped someone cross the street or said a kind word of encouragement to a friend or schoolmate when he was a young boy, which would have left a lasting impact on that person, and which in turn would send a ripple effect of peace and healing to the rest of the world. Of course, this doesn’t in any way justify the crimes that convicted murderers, rapists and so on have committed, but the point here is that no one is completely evil or born evil, and each of us – no matter how fallen we are at any point in time – would have at least done some good deed that has blessed humanity in some way or other, and each of us deserves a second chance if we want to right the wrongs we have done or at least make things better.

I believe we all have an inherent and intrinsic seed of goodness in us, which we can call our True Self, and I believe the reason we make unwise decisions from time to time that invariably cause harm to ourselves, to others and to the environment is usually because we lost sight of who we truly are – we have forgotten our true identity, and we don’t really know what we are doing and we don’t have the full knowledge of the consequences at that point in time. There is no condemnation – we can always return to the true Source and start all over again and learn from our mistakes and make amends for our failures wherever possible.

Thoughts on Russell Brand’s article about unity consciousness

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, EqualityLeave a comment

I came across this blog containing Russell Brand’s article about his views on the world revolution, capitalism and politics, which I find insightful in some places, such as the following excerpts:

“Suffering of this magnitude affects us all. We have become prisoners of comfort in the absence of meaning. A people without a unifying myth. Joseph Campbell, the comparative mythologist, says our global problems are all due to the lack of relevant myths. That we are trying to sustain social cohesion using redundant ideologies devised for a population that lived in deserts millennia ago. What does it matter if 2,000 years ago Christ died on the cross and was resurrected if we are not constantly resurrected to the truth, anew, moment to moment? How is his transcendence relevant if we do not resurrect our consciousness from the deceased, moribund mind of our obsolete ideologies and align with our conditions?

…

We now must live in reality, inner and outer. Consciousness itself must change. My optimism comes entirely from the knowledge that this total social shift is actually the shared responsibility of six billion individuals who ultimately have the same interests. Self-preservation and the survival of the planet. This is a better idea than the sustenance of an elite. The Indian teacher Yogananda said: “It doesn’t matter if a cave has been in darkness for 10,000 years or half an hour, once you light a match it is illuminated.” Like a tanker way off course due to an imperceptible navigational error at the offset we need only alter our inner longitude.

Capitalism is not real; it is an idea. America is not real; it is an idea that someone had ages ago. Britain, Christianity, Islam, karate, Wednesdays are all just ideas that we choose to believe in and very nice ideas they are, too, when they serve a purpose. These concepts, though, cannot be served to the detriment of actual reality.

The reality is we have a spherical ecosystem, suspended in, as far as we know, infinite space upon which there are billions of carbon-based life forms, of which we presume ourselves to be the most important, and a limited amount of resources.”

– Russell Brand

Yes, the sufferings of humanity affect us all, as we are all one and interconnected, which requires a new consciousness to be cultivated. I also agree capitalism, organised religions, social statuses and so on are just ideas rather than real as these do not define our true essence, and unfortunately they have resulted in much discrimination and marginalization in the world from those who use these concepts to oppress or look down on others who are not like them. A global paradigm shift is indeed essential for as many people as possible for the oppressors to change their ways, and for the oppressed to be liberated from the injustice.

Apart from his characteristic candid wit and satirical humor that critiques the self-serving ideologies of capitalism and politics, I appreciate some deep insights and observations Russell Brand shared in his article. It is interesting to note that socialism and egalitarianism, as well as a profound respect for the environment including forests, soils and rivers, are spiritual principles that form the basis of some ancient pagan and indigenous cultures, such as Celtic, Nordic and Native American cultures, as he described below.

“Throughout paganism one finds stories that integrate our species with our environment to the benefit of both. The function and benefits of these belief matrixes have been lost, with good reason. They were socialist, egalitarian and integrated. If like the Celtic people we revered the rivers we would prioritise this sacred knowledge and curtail the attempts of any that sought to pollute the rivers. If like the Nordic people we believed the souls of our ancestors lived in the trees, this connection would make mass deforestation anathema. If like the native people of America we believed God was in the soil what would our intuitive response be to the implementation of fracking?

…

Now there is an opportunity for the left to return to its vital, virile, vigorous origins. A movement for the people, by the people, in the service of the land. Socialism’s historical connection with spiritual principles is deep. Sharing is a spiritual principle, respecting our land is a spiritual principle. May the first, May Day, is a pagan holiday where we acknowledge our essential relationship with our land.”

– Russell Brand

I am aware from reading some online articles and discussions in the past that some detractors may say that if I favor socialism over capitalism, then I should not be using an iPhone or a computer or wearing imported clothes or eating imported food because these are products of capitalism, which supposedly encouraged innovation and globalism. After pondering about this for some time, I think my answer to these detractors would be that I am in the world but not of the world, as Jesus said, and it is possible to live in a paradoxical world as we all do. I believe Jesus would also have eaten food bought by his disciples from the markets that are monetary and capitalistic in nature, and travelled on fishing boats used for the fishing industry, and even though he used or consumed these products, he did not support the greed and competition behind capitalism as he often taught people that life does not consist of possessions as well as to love one’s neighbour, for whoever shows kindness to the least of the brethren is showing kindness to him. So in essence, Jesus was teaching and living a socialist way of life within a capitalistic system, as I come to realise, and perhaps we all today can endeavor to follow his footsteps in our own ways, as I am learning to do so. Indeed, like what Drew Sumrall said in his videos, we can take up our cross and follow Jesus, and live as though the system of the world does not exist.

Imagine a world free from chemical food

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, Survival, Unity and harmonyLeave a comment

“Imagine a world where, like our ancestors before us, we no longer have to choose between organic and chemical food. The country of Bhutan has made plans to become the first completely organically farmed nation by the year 2020.”

I think Bhutan is one of the few countries that remains relatively untouched and uncorrupted by globalisation and capitalism. Perhaps it is due to its location in a peaceful region of the Himalayas mountain ranges and its long history of predominantly Buddhist culture and agricultural background. It’s great to know it seeks to be the first fully organically farmed country by 2020, which can serve as a prime example to other countries to work towards this shared vision. Though in the eyes of most modern societies, Bhutan might seem like a backward developing country, but in terms of human development and peace and harmony, I dare say Bhutan is more evolved and advanced in some ways, despite its lack of widespread high industrialisation. It has been voted as one of the happiest nations in the world too. It is an inspiration.

Related articles

“The Earth does not belong to man; Man belongs to the Earth”

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, Unity and harmony4 Comments

“The Earth does not belong to man; Man belongs to the Earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” — Chief Seattle

These words of wisdom by Chief Seattle constitute one of my favourite Native American Indian quotes. It reminds me of some thoughts I posted in my blog recently, such as:

  • Humans need to remember that they do not create or sustain Mother Earth. Mother Earth creates and sustains us.
  • Instead of seeking to dominate and control Earth, we need to respect and cooperate with Earth and our fellow inhabitants (including animals and plants).

The monetary system and political system have created artificial value and boundaries respectively that discriminate and divide humanity and the environment. Yet in actuality, no one is more important or valuable than another because everyone is created equal. Similarly, no one is an island and no “country” stands alone. What affects a person in one place affects another person elsewhere, and what affects the environment affects us human beings too and vice versa.

So, when we do our part to protect the environment, we are helping ourselves because we will enjoy clean air and water. Similarly, when we help our brothers and sisters in need, we are helping ourselves because we are all one.

Related articles

How do we find a balance in life?

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, Love, Philosophy1 Comment

Let’s talk about balance. What is balance? For a long time (ever since I was a young boy), the concept of balance has been at the back of my mind. To me, balance is finding that happy medium between pleasure and pain, or enjoyment and suffering.

For example, when we want to travel from one place to another, we can choose to walk, run or take a bus (I am using a very simple example that we all can relate to in our daily lives). When we walk, we will reach the destination in a matter of time. When we run, we will reach there more quickly. When we take a bus, we reach there in the shortest time. So what is the point I am trying to make here?

Simply put, there are advantages and disadvantages (or pros and cons) for each choice. For example, when I walk, I get to exercise a little and it is good for my health. Compared to running, I do not fall down easily, so the risk of injury is very low. I use up less energy when walking, so I also do not tire easily. In addition, compared to taking a bus, walking is a non-pollutive way of travelling. But on the flip side, walking is also the slowest among the three options. If I need to get to my destination quickly, then walking will be the least favourable of these options.

How about running? Running is also a great form of exercise, besides walking. Although running exerts more energy than walking, it boosts my cardiovascular health better and produces more feel-good endorphins. It is also an environmentally friendly mode of travelling. However, I will tire easily after running for some time. Besides, there is a higher risk of injury when running, such as falling down or experiencing leg cramps. So, the faster I run, the greater the risk of injury. But then again, I will also reach my destination more quickly.

Finally, taking a bus is perhaps the most comfortable mode of travelling compared to walking or running. It is also the fastest. However, a bus pollutes the air because of the smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. (This means that we enjoy the benefit of travelling quickly at the expense of our health and the environment.) Besides, a bus may break down along the way (although the chances of this happening are usually very low for well-maintained buses). Also, travelling by bus does not allow the opportunity for exercising.

So, there we have it. Three different scenarios to illustrate how we can find a balance, in terms of travelling and considering the various factors involved. This principle applies to other aspects of life too, such as eating, working on a project, and so on.

Example of finding a balance in using energy resources

According to The Venus Project website about a resource-based economy:

“Many people believe that there is too much technology in the world today, and that technology is the major cause of our environmental pollution. This is not the case. It is the abuse and misuse of technology that should be our major concern. In a more humane civilization, instead of machines displacing people they would shorten the workday, increase the availability of goods and services, and lengthen vacation time. If we utilize new technology to raise the standard of living for all people, then the infusion of machine technology would no longer be a threat.”

I was thinking to myself: If technology has been abused and misused, why did it happen then? The answer I came up with is that companies chose to misuse technology, such as using fuel resources (oil, coal and natural gas) for short-term gains at the expense of people and the environment. After all, these fuel resources are easily available (before they run out in a few decades’ time), so the profit-oriented companies prefer to use them to produce electricity and manufacture products, since they are cheaper to use compared to solar energy or geothermal energy. The result is that they make profits in the short run, but stand to lose in the long run (in terms of their health and quality of their living environment due to pollutive by-products such as smoke, acid rain and oil spills). So people will need to find a balance in using energy resources wisely and sensibly, in order to benefit one another and the environment while minimising any side effects.

Conclusion

How do we find a balance in life? I think each of us will have to find our own answers, and consider how we can make choices in life that will benefit not only ourselves but also others and the environment, for the greatest good.

Everything we need for our journey of life lies within us ~♥~ debs
“Strand of Pearls: One Woman’s Journey to Light and Peace”
Related articles

The Venus Project: Designing the Future

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, Survival1 Comment

Video commentary:

The Venus Project Simplified: We simply want a world that isn’t restricted by politics, money and elitism and doesn’t destroy the earth for profit, we want to ensure through our existing technological capability that every human being is fed, clothed, housed and has access to clean renewable energy and a relevant education without having to “Earn It”.

Mehr Infos unter:
http://www.thevenusproject.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/thevenusprojectmedia
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Venus-Project/108109225877692

Like what the video shared, it will be expensive in the long run to keep repairing outmoded cities, and therefore new cost-efficient and self-sufficient cities need to be built from ground up. I think modern societies can consider implementing such cities, or at least plan for a transition for old cities to evolve to newer cities that use clean, non-fuel-based and renewable energy resources and technologies.

I like the idea of having indoor and outdoor agriculture – I was thinking to myself recently that people can be allowed and encouraged to cultivate fruit and vegetables in public areas so that everyone can share in harvesting the crops. Currently, in my country, it seems that it is illegal (or forbidden) to plant crops in public – what a waste of space. It is mainly the fault of the profit-oriented monetary system that discourages such practices of public sharing of common goods. If we were to do away with the monetary system (or the current self-serving concept of it), we all can make better use of the common space we have in order to create abundant food supply for everyone in the community. I also look forward to seeing the vision presented in the video come into fruition more and more, whereby science and technology is wisely and sensibly used for the betterment of humanity and the environment.

Related articles

What Is Economic Degrowth?

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, EqualityLeave a comment

“Our economic system is premised on the notion of endless growth. Its unintentional manifestations include global warming, dwindling resources, proliferating pollution, the accelerating extinction of species, water and food shortages, all set against the backdrop of a burgeoning global population.”

(From “What is economic degrowth?” by Glenn Ashton)

Like what the article says, degrowth is not a new model to replace the current ailing and unsustainable economic model but rather “more a tool for opening up a discussion on the failures of and alternatives to the status quo.” More than just a philosophical idea, it is a practical mindset that helps people to rethink about what is truly sustainable and how to provide goods and services that will benefit people and the environment instead of exploiting them at their expense. It is about realising each of us is in this together and has a part to play to overcome the illusion of status and work towards a better future through reclaiming our human rights and restoring the environment we live in.

Related articles

Navigating the Coming Chaos: Carolyn Baker Vermont Tour 2011

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, SurvivalLeave a comment

I agree with the gist of Carolyn Baker’s message about the need to prepare for the coming collapse of the current world system and it helps to about making preparations now. There is nothing wrong with talking about so-called “negative” things because we are only facing reality by taking the necessary practical measures to adapt to a new, more conscious world that will be less dependent on modern day conveniences and pollutive oil-run technologies, and more focused on building communities and learning survival skills, such as growing foods, gardening, making things with our hands, and building communication networks (logistical skills). The idea of supporting one another and seeing one another as necessary for our collective survival and evolution resonates with me because I believe in collaborative living too, instead of competitive living that is propagated by the current system.

“Wake Up! Our World Is Dying, And We’re All In Denial”

I have also checked out Carolyn Baker’s website, and the following parts of this article “Wake Up! Our World is Dying and We’re All in Denial” by Mary Pipher resonate with me.

“We experience our own pain, but also the pain of the earth and of people and animals suffering all over the world. Environmentalist Joanna Macy calls this pain “planetary anguish.” We want to help, but we all feel that we have enough on our plates without taking on the melting polar ice caps or the dying oceans.”

I believe this is what some of us are experiencing even as we are increasing our awareness of our interconectedness with one another, and we experience not only our own pain but also the pain of the earth and of others suffering all over the world. I can understand that some of us feel that our hands are tied even though we want to help because of our current enslavement to the monetary system. I think only when we face the hard truths about the failing system can we begin a process of transformation, as described below.

“Once we face the hard truths about our environmental collapse, we can begin a process of transformation that I call the “alchemy of healing.” Despair is often a crucible for growth. As we expand ourselves to deal with our new normal, we can feel more vibrant and engaged with the world as it is.

We can be intentional when we’re shopping, planning a trip, or working in our communities. We can be citizens of the world, rather than consumers, and we can vote every time we hand over our debit card.”

Yes, I always believe we are citizens of the world, rather than patriots of individual nations because in reality there are no boundaries (which is illusory and man-made). By making changes in our individual lifestyles and our personal outlooks, we can make very real changes in us and around us. Though the changes may seem small and insignificant, we have the power to make a difference through the ripple effect. I think this practical and spiritual preparation goes beyond the superficiality of mere positive thinking as it makes way for empowerment of every human being, because everyone can realise it is within their ability to make the world better in their own ways instead of depending on someone or some organisation to lead the way. I also agree with the concluding part of her article:

“We who are alive today share what Martin Luther King, Jr., called “the inescapable network of mutuality.” We aren’t without resources. We have our intelligence, humor, and compassion, our families and friends, and our ancestry of resilient hominid survivors. We can be restored.”

Yes, with our intelligence, humor and compassion, as well as the growing community of resilient and willing fellow survivors, we can be restored through living and growing in our network of mutuality.

Related articles

A Very Condensed Case for Revolution

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, Equality, Freedom5 Comments

I am coming to see more and more that money itself devalues, degrades, dehumanises and desensitises people to the intrinsic value and dignity of everything, including humans, animals and plants. Inequality, injustice, greed and fear arise because of money, or the dependence of money to rule or define people’s lives. For example, I learnt from this forum that in the name of profits, some cows are being killed carelessly and thoughtlessly for the meat industry without regard for their suffering, which is cruel and inhumane. Yet, cows deserve respect and kindness as much as any other sentient being. I think each of us may only realise this by returning to the heart, when we take time to reflect on our innate oneness and interconnectedness, which goes beyond the artificial confines of the monetary socioeconomic system.

According to this article “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?“:

“A very small yet conscious minority has come to the realization that the current world regime is one giant corporate infomocracy that needs to be terminated with “extreme prejudice”, disengagement being the weapon of choice.  The next revolution will not be carried out by mobs of angry people, guerrillas, terrorists or, god forbid, politicians.  It will be accomplished by a small (10%) militant minority that will simply unplug the matrix.”

(From “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?” by Robert Bonomo)

This part of the above-mentioned article resonates with me:

“Many look at the twentieth century as a time of great economic and technical advance, but history, while recognizing the the technical innovation, will condemn this century as the most vile in man’s history.  The miracle that began in Greece, expanded in Rome, flourished in the Renaissance & Enlightenment and finally found its  modern form in the western liberal democracy has been been gutted by a century of materialism, enslavement, slaughter and greed.”

(From “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?” by Robert Bonomo)

Yes, I was reflecting earlier today that we are living in an upside down world. Like what the article says, contrary to the popular belief that humankind is progressing with the advance of technology and economic development, we are actually regressing because it has resulted in “materialism, enslavement, slaughter and greed”.

The following points summarise my train of thought along this line:

  • The more material wealth a person accumulates, the poorer he becomes spiritually, if the wealth is meant to mask his inner poverty, or rather the amnesia of his own richness.
  • The more armoury and weapons a country amasses and displays (to try to look impressive or intimidating), the greater the inward insecurity they are reflecting to the rest of the world.
  • The further we move away from Nature, the less “evolved” we become.
  • We live in an upside down world. The more we depend on technology for our daily lives, the less we are able to be in touch with Nature, with one another, with our own soul.
  • People say we are evolving or progressing with the advancement of technology. I daresay we are devolving if we are distancing ourselves from Nature (because most of us city dwellers can hardly survive if we were to let go of all the gadgets and tools that we depend on daily and live in the natural surroundings).
  • Humans need to remember that they do not create or sustain Mother Earth. Mother Earth creates and sustains us.
  • Instead of seeking to dominate and control Earth, we need to respect and cooperate with Earth and our fellow inhabitants (including animals and plants).

I agree with the gist of the message of the above-mentioned article that the best way to counter or overcome the self-serving regime controlled by mega corporations in the long run is “enlightened disengagement”. While protests and occupy movements have their place in creating awareness, the longer term and more permanent solution is within reach of each of us individuals – by consciously and actively making decisions in our daily life to disengage ourselves from the consumerist culture and propaganda and the like as much as we can, and to participate in collaborative and environment-friendly activities, such as reusing, reducing and recycling materials, buying locally produced organic food, spending within our means,  seeking our own spiritual paths, and so on.

This part of the article on being free from religious control resonates with me:

“Mainstream and not so mainstream religion generally tries to sell people on a hodgepodge of fear and fantasy, with a big pay-off for the self righteous who drink most from the sacred well of Kool-Aid.  What must never be attempted is to actually have an authentic spiritual experience, for this would cause the subject to run from the dogma and quite possibly bring most of the remaining parishioners with him.  Real consciousness is as much an anathema to religion as critical thinking is to academia.”

(From “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?” by Robert Bonomo)

Yes, it appears that mainstream religions tend to discourage people from having an authentic spiritual experience in their own private lives. This is especially so in the case of institutional churches that try to tell people to go to “church” in order to “hear god” from their pulpits, thereby sowing doubts in people’s hearts that they can hear and experience God/Divine elsewhere.

I also agree especially with this part of the article:

“The enlightened conscious man needs no school to raise his children, no church to know his God, no banker to validate his work and no government to choose his enemies.  He is free to do as he pleases, when he pleases and how he pleases.  His liberty allows him to need almost nothing, which is how the great evil matrix becomes undone: in a great fire of awareness.”

(From “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?” by Robert Bonomo)

Indeed, freedom is our birthright, and each of us has the freedom and the inner wisdom or guidance to make decisions on how to raise our children, how to know or commune with God (or our highest self), how to validate our work, and so on. We do not need outside institutions such as schools or church organisations or banks or governments to rule over us or run our lives. When we live in conscious freedom, we empower ourselves and disempower the ruling authorities, so to speak.

I find that the results of this recent study encouraging:

“We don’t need to convince the whole village, we only need 10% of them. A recent study has confirmed that once an idea reaches the 10% threshold and that 10% is demonstrably fixed to the idea, the majority will quickly follow.”

(From “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?” by Robert Bonomo)

Yes, it is encouraging to know this because we need not be disappointed that we are still among the minority, because when the number of us reaches the 10% threshold, the majority will catch on the awareness and quickly follow. I have seen this happening in my own country last year during the general election – The Online Citizen as well as other entities that are not affiliated to the government helped spread the awareness about inequality issues, and the majority quickly followed and challenged the government system. As a result, the ruling party received one of the lowest percentages of voting in history, and only won the election by a small margin. After that, the government decided to take steps to address the issues raised by the people, such as agreeing to lower the high salaries of the ministers, including the salaries of the president and prime minister. Since then, the majority of people are more actively and closely monitoring and questioning the policies made by the government, in order to address inequality and other related issues pertaining to humanity and the environment.

That means, we are making headway in spreading awareness even though much of the world seems asleep for the time being and the future may look bleak for now. But slowly and surely, we are gaining ground, through sharing in our blogs, talking about it with other people, and so on.

I also agree with the conclusion of the article:

“The real revolution needs no leaders, banners, or platforms.  Each awakened man’s consciousness is his own guide.  Those looking for a place to sign up are simply looking for more enslavement.  The controllers are well aware of the danger to their pyramid and will surely toss out some interesting schemes to hold on to power.  The enemy of awareness is distraction, but the antidote is simple:  close out, turn off, unplug and ignore.”

(From “The Infomocracy Dilemma: Revolution or Disengagement?” by Robert Bonomo)

Yes, the real revolution needs no leaders, banners or platforms. The real revolution begins and continues with each of us – we are the empowered beings with the ability to co-create a better world. We have the power to disengage ourselves from propaganda, religion, politics, etc, and to immerse ourselves in things that bring healing and peace to ourselves as well as others.

Related articles

Thoughts on Presentation for The Zeitgeist Movement (TZM)

On By jimmytstIn Environmental awareness, Equality3 Comments

I have checked out the first twelve minutes of the The Zeitgeist Movement (TZM) orientation presentation video so far. I think it presents a clear introduction to the problems of the current monetary system, such as how the cyclical consumption required to keep the corporations’ profits growing would result in planned obsolescence of products that are not of the best or most durable quality, which in turn will result in accumulation of consumer waste material being discarded and affecting the environment. Each individual person therefore can do his or her part for the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling materials where possible. That is a good reminder for me as well.

About Peter Joseph, director of the Zeitgeist documentary films

I find that Peter Joseph is a generalist who delves into various subjects and shares his research findings with others to help spread awareness about the oppressive and unjust systems, and I think he harnesses his talents and knowledge very well in making documentaries for this purpose. He also practises what he preaches, such as making the movies for non-profit distribution, as he doesn’t believe in accumulating wealth for himself or making a name for himself. I admire his character and integrity. Here’s sharing below an update on Peter Joseph’s upcoming film set due to be released around late next year, called “InterReflections”.

Occupy Earth shared a link.

Controversial Social Activist & Film Maker Peter Joseph, creator of the world renowned “Zeitgeist Film Series”, which has been translated into over 40 languages; screened in over 150 countries and seen in total by an estimated 300 Million people – has announced he is closing his prior socially conscious film series as a Trilogy – only to launch a brand new film set titled: “InterReflections”.

The first of the new series, “InterReflections I” is due for release in late 2013 with a new narrative based, live action style. In an interview with Peter Joseph, he stated: “The new film series is a fantasy style work that takes place in multiple time frames, using the idea of “hindsight” as a driving motif to inspire the audience to think differently about the world we have today… and the world we could have tomorrow.”Peter Joseph, a musician and performance artist who created his first film “Zeitgeist: The Movie” as merely a solo performance work that exploded inadvertently online in 2007, has evolved to researching and giving lectures on culture and ecological sustainability five years later. In 2009 he founded the now global “Zeitgeist Movement” which seeks to create a new social system based on scientific understandings rather than market based ones and today, apart from his ongoing media creations in support of such social issues, he works with a global community of engineers, artists, activists and scientists in this pursuit for a new, more humane social arrangement for all the world’s people.

As a filmmaker Joseph has tuned his back on the Hollywood, profit-isolated distribution format and works to make all his expressions available for free on the Internet, coupled with free DVD/Blu-Ray torrent downloads.

“Everything I create is freely available not only for viewing and downloading so people can create their own DVDs without purchase, I also allow open distribution for non-profit means outright. I have a deep dislike for the income system and even though survival in the world today requires income, I choose to give the audience the option of support if they care to.” says Joseph.

While The Zeitgeist Film Series was a documentary set that explored a vast range of cultural issues via traditional style interviews with experts, “InterReflections I” leaves the documentary style behind and instead explores an experimental style that encompasses fantasy and abstraction.

“The new film set is, indeed, born out of my prior series in that the nature of the subject matter is similar by extension. However, as a filmmaker, I have changed my view regarding what really inspires people and I feel the ‘abstract arts’, if you will, rather than mere cold academia, hold a powerful place in changing people. We can tell people technical data all day long and some will absorb it… but the arts have a mysterious way of sneaking behind people’s values and planting seeds for new ideas. Apart from the feature films series and my online satire expression: “Culture in Decline”, I also curate an annual media festival in Los Angeles – The
Zeitgeist Media Festival which is based upon similar issues. I try to walk the line between art and intellect; academia and poetry.”

Related Websites:
“InterReflections I” : http://www.interreflectionsmovie.com/
“Zeitgeist Film Series” : http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/
“Culture in Decline” : http://www.cultureindecline.com/
“Zeitgeist Media Festival” : http://zeitgeistmediafestival.org/
“The Zeitgeist Movement” : http://www.thezeitgeistmovement.com/

I think those detractors who criticise Peter Joseph are jealous of him and/or refuse to let go of their comfort and attachment to the status quo that the monetary based economic system brings. Yet contrary to their criticisms, Joseph Peter is not out to make money for himself nor to become famous since he allows his documentaries to be distributed for free and is not trying to indoctrinate anyone but rather letting the films speak for themselves and getting people to think and research for themselves and questioning the systems of the establishments to find out the causes of the socio economic problems and find better alternatives to restore equality. He could have used his knowledge of the money system for his own advantage since he is said to have some background experience in equity trading, yet he chose not to be part of the system and decided to spread awareness to help people be free from being enslaved by the system.

I was checking out the Zeitgeist movie website to familiarise myself with the background of how the documentaries and The Zeitgeist Movement (TZM) came about, and I think the Q&A page in this website does a good job in clarifying misconceptions about the documentaries and TZM. It rightly noted that those detractors who tried to “debunk” the documentaries “are the orthodox religious communities, the “patriot” (or nationalist) communities and the monetary/capitalist communities.” This is not surprising because the so-called orthodox religious communities, nationalist communities and monetary/capitalist communities are attached to their self-serving ideologies and systems, and do not want their boats to be rocked or their systems to be questioned by the masses.

I also think some critics, such as this blogger, have a personal agenda against Peter Joseph, because of some bad or unpleasant experiences with TZM forums. But from what I understand, how the forum moderators regulate the discussions have nothing to do with Peter Joseph, who is most of the time busy “giving lectures and helping to produce relevant media/materials to spread the interest for a new social system.” So their criticisms or accusations of Peter Joseph are unfounded and misdirected.

Related articles