I read Ishmael this week and its effect on me was....strong. My feelings toward the book are almost ineffable. I wrote an essay about the book -- it is originally 5 pages, but I'll just leave a segment here for you all.
1. As an avid reader, I can only describe this piece of literature as an experience. Ishmael’s explanation of ‘how things got this way’ is one of the most brutal, blunt, philosophies I have come across. The incorporation of evolution, as well as the Gods working together simultaneously toward a common goal is a truly unique concept that directly questions the fundamental values of present-day society. Each side, Taker and Leaver, was thoroughly explained. The idea that Takers are, in essence, conquering the world, while the Leavers are subject to the Earth and its natural laws is fascinating. It would be redundant if I was to point out how true Ishmael’s claims are on this specie – give or take the ability for literature to be fantastical. The idea of how Takers are consuming irreplaceable resources at rapid rates without allowing the Earth a chance to heal itself is in itself difficult to grasp. It makes me wonder what effect I have as one person on global occurrences. Leavers, although slightly under developed in their technology, were described in such a way that gives them full credit for stability. Their lack of crime, poverty, disease, famine, over population, and pollution is a lucid example of their concern for their environment, as well as their future if they were to survive. Within a blink of the evolution spectrum, Takers were able to transform a thriving, green, community of life into a catastrophe. Third world nations are not given the proper resources they need to get themselves onto their own feet; instead they are being thrown food and money which in itself is not ensured to go to the right people for the right cause. I had to separate Takers and Leavers and put them on two ends of a continuum. While one represents damage, and lack of smooth, fundamental, operations (Takers), the other (Leavers) represents a complete technological regression, that brings humans back to the plains and grasslands to fend for themselves. I firmly believe that there should be a medium or balance to be found in the theories both sides represent. Currently, while we are increasing our food supply annually, our global population is increasing exponentially. Ishmael talks specifically about a civilization aircraft that was put in place forcefully by the Takers. In a matter of a few generations, this aircraft is descending at a rapid rate. There must be a re-organization in the world’s governments, to implement a birthing rule that will level out a population to feed on its own resources rather than demand more from other countries. More bluntly, if it comes down to not supplying other nations with more food and money, then so be it. There must be a re-education for females in developing nations to make them aware of how powerful they are with their ability to reproduce. An unplanned pregnancy in low-income families puts a strain on those families to provide for yet another member, and so that track continues generation after generation. Society right now is captivated by the voice of Mother Culture. Nobody wants to stand up against her and what she represents. Her way of thinking, placing man above the Gods, is what brought the nations to the state they are in today. Ancient customs, ceremonies, and wisdom is lost in the past with Takers, while Leavers treasure and carry on these ideals to the future so that they can further evolve. Leavers are subject to the mercy of the heavens. While we should not be greedy and consume as much as we do and should look at the Leavers as an example, we must also remember that we are a highly evolved specie that is capable to think and make decision for itself. It is ok if we want to preserve a little food for the next day or week – we have families to feed, but it is not ok to make yourself exempt from the law of limited competition. As much as we do not realize it, we live side by side with a very delicate ecological system that feels, literally, every result of every action we set forth as nations. Ishmael’s plan to save the world is quite simple. Pay it forward. Once you are privileged to be enlightened the way our main character was, you have a responsibility to spread this information to and make the public aware of the consequences they leave on the Earth. Ishmael could not have been more correct in his desire for creatures of this community to coexist with peaceful boundaries. Man is not the center of the universe as Mother Culture has drowned us in thinking. We cannot keep moving forward, pretending everything is ok. This knowledge, this new idea in the way we ought to live, should and will be a challenge to people everywhere. Each person can make a difference. This one book broadened my mind, and to those who do not appreciate what it has to offer, I extend my sincerest condolences because I know that the knowledge I gained – the depth of what was written in those pages – will be carried with me through my personal journey of discovering life.
