Some in the world of science and philosophy believe that exposing the truth that there is no free-will, is an understanding that should be kept locked away in the ivory towers of academia. And studies have demonstrated that, in certain situations, people behave less favourably if they’ve been told that they don’t have free-will. This of course is very subjective, and if we were to judge our collective behaviour, with almost all of us believing that we have free-will, it most certainly isn’t something we should be proud of.

Not having free-will simply means that we are aware that there are reasons why we behave as we do. But recognising that we can explain an action, doesn’t mean that that understanding can be used to justify it.  

Responsibility is again one of those socially accepted ideas, in that we assume we are each responsible for our own actions. It is a feature that accompanies a belief in free-will, however, responsibility is not a given, it is something we need to learn. In addition, that against which behaviour is measured, also needs to be understood before we can be held responsible.

Our governments (and the corporate interests they represent), are irresponsible. Their actions have brought about this impending catastrophe, yet they claim the mantle and position of responsibility. Being responsible, by definition, means being able to respond appropriately to a given situation. Since they continually disregard, or at most, exploit the crisis to further their profit agenda, the reality is that they are not fit to govern.

Why do those, who are so well informed and who care about the future, naively present their case to the governments, in the hope they will listen. Governments, corporations, business, banks, even the law, do not care. They hide behind politics, suggesting that it is the proper (and only) route to raise one’s concerns. Why is the global crisis not already their concern? 

To move in a positive direction from here, the welfare of the planet has to be the primary objective. Protecting the delicate ecosystem, preserving biodiversity, and reducing our pollution, have to be the priority. And yes, it’s going to mean massive changes in how we live, how we educate our children, and how we share the precious resources we have, but unless we care for our planet, we as a species will become extinct. If we continue with the inherent inequity and injustices of the capitalist model, along with our misguided belief in the self, which it relies upon to exploit, this will be our undoing.