Discussion Question #2

The difference between the environment and ourselves is the corruption aspect. The environment is always pure and harmless until humans play a part. That is not to say that all humans or human activities are corrupt. However, it is my belief that everything “natural” comes in pure and untouched until a human puts his spin on what it should be. A volcano is a perfect example. Though a volcano may be a very dangerous and scary thing, would it be dangerous if humans had not built communities so close to its original place in the world.

Though there are often dangerous forces of the environment that can destroy places on Earth in a matter of days (volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, etc.), the actual environment itself has no agenda. It does not mean to make anything harmful, bad, good, or beneficial. It just is what it is.

Technology plays perhaps the biggest part in this boundary of anything else on Earth. If not for technology, many of the good and bad things that happen to our environment by humans would be non-existent. For example, without technology, humans would not be able to cut down trees in a beautiful rainforest environment for personal gain (even hacksaws can be considered technology). But on the other hand, without technology, there would be no way for humans to save the beaches that are washing away due to increased tides and such. Technology can both corrupt and save the environment. It is humankind’s ability to use technology that separates us from the environment. A tree can not use a bulldozer to tear down a house being built on its roots. Nature does things at its own course using its natural strength and majesty.

Science can always change a boundary between the environment and humans. However, whether or not it can erase this line between our environment and ourselves is another matter in itself. As long as science and technology exists (it will never go away) this line will exist. In my opinion, the environment will never be able to compete with technology even when the technology is used to improve it. It is due to science and technology that we will never be at one with our environment. We will always have “one up” on it. Do not misunderstand me for ungrateful. I love technology and most that comes with it. I think that without technology, our world with be a much less productive place. However, it if fact that there will always be a vast line between humans and the world that surrounds us.