Been Here Before
If we’ve spoken recently, you’ve likely heard me referencing this video that Alphabets Studio shared a while back. As the climate crisis continues to escalate, I can’t help but feel that we’ve been here before.
Before I was a graphic designer, I studied history, focusing on theology. Separating fact from fiction to better understand just why we tell the stories we tell, why did the Tanakh/Qur’an/Tipitaka/Vedas/Bible/Kojiki say this or that? What was happening at that time politically, socially, developmentally? Creation myths, in particular, were my jam.
I myself am not religious, but believe it to be telling that there are many overlaps in religious texts and oral traditions. While the details may remain lost and stories simplified and frilled for the ease of oral tradition, there is a reason a majority of myths/religious texts point to greed, gluttony, sloth, and selfishness as the greatest of sins. Of all the creation myths I’ve learned, none feel quite as apropos as that of the Hopi.
The modern world pushes us to continually look ahead. I am all for looking to the future and innovating ways to reverse the effects of climate change, but there is so much we can learn from those who came before us. When we look to the future, which at present may feel distant or incomprehensible, let’s not forget these stories; let’s not forget the plants, the animals, the living things that make this planet of ours an oasis among stars. Let’s not forget that the Hopi looked to nature for guidance when building their fourth world after their greed destroyed the three that came before it.
Why exactly am I saying any of this? Well, there are a couple of reasons. First, with the 4th of July approaching, perhaps as you celebrate your country, you might also support the Hopi and other indigenous communities in America. After all, they were forced from their lands, lands that you now live on, and continue to be marginalized by the government. Second, consider that technology and innovation are not the only way to a sustainable future; we can learn something from tribes like the Hopi. Lastly, and quite frankly, it’s just fucking fascinating, plus most of us don’t know shit and should learn to listen more.
