How do get an optimistic view of the future?

Question

The threat of nuclear war, the uncontrolled proliferation of pollutants, and/or the exhaustion of natural resources have made the Earth all but uninhabitable. Civilisation has collapsed together with the ecosystem. The recurring image is that of a few gangs of survivors, together with mutant rats and cockroaches, fighting for the last remaining resources amongst the ruins of once proud cities.

Will praying stop the world from going mad or repeal the laws of the Universe?....i don't think so.

The pessimistic view in Warrant's 2031 seems to be hitting the target....

UnderhillProp: sounds optimistic in your world, with the population predicted to hit 10 billion in 50 years, with zero fossil fuels, i hope your view wins out.

Answer 1

Well, most of society today is leaning towards a pessimistic view on things, but there are some optimistic points you can look at. We humans have the potential to destroy our environment, and cause such atrocities as you've mentioned above. But don't forget, we also have the potential to do great things, and change the world for the better. We, as a species, have so many more abilities (to our knowledge) than the other organisms of the earth. If only we could put all of our abilities together to unite as an unstoppable force, as one race - the human race - think of what we would be able to achieve.

I think a big problem of society today is the lack of urgency the people feel towards situations. It seems we only act to prevent something after it is too late, and a disaster has already occured. Sometimes, this is because we did not know about the dangers and they only surfaced as a result of an accident, but this is not the case for other issues. For example, scientists had warned the proper organizations that if a hurricane were to strike the area around New Orleans, mass devastation would occur. However, despite these warnings, nothing was done, and when Hurricane Katrina swept away the region, it was too late to do anything. Even though we're constantly being hit with images of apocalyptic events and the mass devastation that will/would occur, we're not exactly taking any actions to prevent this. Perhaps this lack of urgency has resulted from the media repeatedly telling of these horrific stories? We've become so accustomed to these headlines and movies that we cannot react to them with the same emotion we once did when that 'apocalyptic' genre first came out... you know, not that same inspiring ball of emotion inside you?

So yeah, it's hard to have an optimistic view on things today. And sorry for not providing the optimistic view you seek. If only something could strike a chord with everyone, and gather everyone together to cooperate and do something about this... perhaps the end is inevitable? Species die out all the time. It's just the natural cycle of life! If we can't learn to live and take care of our environment... well. I guess that's it then!

Answer 2

You have been watching too many low-budget movies. Actually, there is less total conflict now than the past, we live better, we have glasses, are starting to beat cancer, have low pollution cars and energy efficient homes and the like. Nuclear warhead count is down and the safeguards are up. Sure there are a few spots of trouble, and there may always be, but it’s nothing new. The internet and telephone have allowed faster reporting of abuses. Population levels are slowing (even reversing). New technologies and improved education are going to further this. Recycling is picking up, in fact now that the metal prices have gone so high lately there is talk about opening old landfills and pulling out buried metals. The exhaustion of natural resources, like oil? Well we have lots of that left, the tar sands in Canada as a huge single example. There was lots of waste in the past when extracting natural resources, that’s improving significantly, which helps the environment. Meanwhile new methods of generating nuclear power that are far less polluting and more efficient (like all means of power generation) are coming on line. A new hybrid diesel (still in the lab) gets 70 miles to the gallon (real mileage not the bogus EPA hybrid numbers) But as an earlier answer mentioned, the real problem maybe that you are depressed and are looking for the negatives rather than seeing the positives? Perhaps you need counseling if it continues, if it’s not a severe depression then you could try “Saint John’s wort”. Quite safe and perhaps as effective as the stronger drugs against mild depression. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-John%27s-Wort for more information.

Answer 3

The only way I know of is by taking a proactive approach, i.e., educating others, contributing your talents to a particular cause (e.g., organizations dedicated to turning around the environment), and continuing to educate yourself on these important matters, getting politically involved, etc.

It's not a cure-all: I do the above and am very concerned about our future, to put it lightly. It is possible to turn things around; but is it probable? I'm not so sure.

While there is only so much one can do on an individual level, there is a lot that can be accomplished when humans organize and cooperate--history tells us that, e.g., civil rights movement. There is some hope. Do what you can and encourage others to do their parts, too...

Answer 4

Stopping all mental patterning resembling that you've just mentioned would probably help. Reverse paranoia would also aid you. That's believing that people are there to help you, instead of out to get you as normal paranoia glorifies. They've said in the story of pandora's box that even as all the evil's and diseases of the world came to life, one final thing was released from the box. Hope.

Answer 5

Pray

Answer 6

Many diseases are disappearing, the hygiene of the vast majority of the people of the world is increasing, the infant mortality rate is decreasing, and there have been NO nuclear wars.

Answer 7

listen to the song "April 2031" by Warrant,
thats a spooky song, and thats what i belive will happen.

Answer 8

You have to have faith and look for the good in everything instead of dwelling on the bad.

Answer 9

Accept jesus into your life.

Answer 10

have faith... pray all the time.. feel Him with you..