Comments on: The Death of Consumerism — or Humanity

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:19:03 +0000

Thanks for the Maori quote.
Michael

By: wmmbb

wmmbb — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:53:37 +0000

Thank you for answers Michael.

Greed makes sense to me as a cause of harm, although not usually recognized as such. I remember that MLK spoke of an audacious hope in the future and the creative force in the universe, which I take human beings as the potential embodiment.

Another view is encapsulated in the Maori saying:”The God of evil and the God of fear are good friends”.

By: Michael Nagler

Michael Nagler — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:54:42 +0000

Nice comments!

The ‘original’ for the Biblical quote, i.e. the Latin version, reads ‘the root of all evil is greed (cupiditas).

As for your second point, actually, deep cultural changes have happened very quickly, for example the change to monotheism in the West (not quick by our standards, but def. by theirs) and the ‘fall’ of communism, etc. There are ‘tipping points.’ The science of finding and using them is undeveloped, but I don’t think we should concern ourselves with speed so much as making our best effort.
Michael

By: wmmbb

wmmbb — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:24:05 +0000

I cannot question the translation of those who wrote the King James (authorized) version of Bible, but I wonder whether the original words with respect to money quoted by Judith might not yield another expression. The utility of exchange predates the institutionalization of money.

Deep cultural changes seems to me a very necessary idea, but I wonder whether it can in practice happen quickly and widely to reach “critical mass”. I suppose we are all potential change agents in a process of cumulative change by drawing on what was, as much as what might be.

By: Judith Ellis

Judith Ellis — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:44:28 +0000

Thank you so much for such a beautiful piece of rememberance. It is one that speaks of what matters most. People matter most.

“The love of money is the root of all evil.” (Money isn’t; it’s the worship of it that excludes what matters most .) “The eye is never satisfied.”

This piece reminded me of a Negro Spiritual, “Give me Jesus.”

When I come to die
When I come to die
When I come to die
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus.
You may have all this world.
Give me Jesus.

The song has a haunting beautiful melody and I sang it often. But there was also this nagging thought: Why would I wish for Jesus when I come to die?

The principles of Jesus are needed as I live daily in the world. We can change the world, this negative system of doing things, each of us, through practiced priniciples as:

“Love they neighbor as thyself.”
“Do good to those who despitefully use you.”
“Prefer your brother.”
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

While I am yet alive, I need Jesus.

Again…thank you so much Professor Nagler.