Caring about the planet: a pragmatic or a spiritual job ?
Restoring, regenerating, cleaning up, reforesting, regreening,…
Should we listen to the engineers, or to the spiritual teachings of the wise ?
They do not offer the same advice.
Can we create a “Symphony of Science and Spirit” ?
The Earth whispers a plea for help. From polluted oceans to dwindling forests, the signs of environmental distress are undeniable. Our response? A chorus of voices, some pragmatic, others spiritual, urging us to action. But are these approaches truly at odds?
The Engineer’s Toolkit: A Blueprint for Restoration
Engineers see the planet as a complex system in need of repair. They advocate for tangible solutions: renewable energy sources to power our lives, efficient technologies to reduce waste, and innovative methods for cleaning up pollution. Their focus is on measurable results and clear blueprints for restoring the planet’s health. They believe in the power of human ingenuity to find solutions for the challenges we face.
But we’ve seen too many failed reforesting projects, or heavy duty mining extraction and modern slavery, in the name of sustainability.
The Wisdom of the Ancients: A Song of Reverence
Spiritual teachings, on the other hand, emphasize a deeper connection with nature and “Pacha Mama”. They advocate for a shift in perspective, encouraging us to see ourselves as part of a vast, interconnected web of life. They remind us of our responsibility as stewards, entrusted with the well-being of the planet for future generations. This approach fosters a sense of reverence for nature and a respect for its delicate balance.
But we’ve seen too many native shamans calling for caring, without any results, or alternative communities ending up bankrupt, hungry, or torn by their own ego.
The Harmony of Action: A Symphony in Two Movements
These two approaches, seemingly at odds, are actually complementary. The engineer’s toolkit provides the tools for effective action, while the wisdom of the ancients offers the motivation and the guiding principles. Here’s how they work together:
- Science informs action: Spiritual reverence for nature translates into a desire to protect it. Science provides the understanding of ecological processes and the tools to address environmental challenges.
- Spirit ignites passion: Engineering solutions alone may not be enough to create lasting change. Spiritual teachings can inspire the passion and commitment needed to implement and maintain sustainable practices.
- Long-term vision: The engineer focuses on immediate solutions, but the wisdom of the ancients emphasizes the need for long-term planning and intergenerational responsibility.
- Inner call: in both scenarios, we need an inner call, to start to truly care. The one would be fear or guilt, or even ESG rules. The other would be the longing for deep reconnexion with self and mother earth, with existence itself.
- New breeds should be nurtured: shamans with a business mind, entrepreneurs with special spiritual gifts, priests actively reforesting, engineers listening to the sounds of nature, bankers with healing skills, artists creating new biospheres with their own hands,… and… celebrating life together in colossal parties.
The Call to Action: A Unified Song for Change
Caring for the planet is not a battle between science and spirit. It’s a symphony, requiring both the technical expertise to repair the damage and the deep reverence to understand the value of what we’re trying to save. We need engineers and scientists to develop the solutions, but we also need artists, poets, and spiritual leaders to remind us why it matters, and how to listen to nature — what it truly needs to heal. When we listen to all the voices, a powerful song emerges — a song of hope, action, and a collective commitment to protecting our shared home.
Michel A. de Kemmeter
