Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Our Moral Footprint by By Vaclav Havel (NYT)

Written by the former president of the Czech Republic and Translated by Gerald Turner. Coolies.

Article

Highlights:

"Maybe we should start considering our sojourn on earth as a loan. "


"Whenever I reflect on the problems of today's world, whether they concern the economy, society, culture, security, ecology or civilization in general, I always end up confronting the moral question: what action is responsible or acceptable? The moral order, our conscience and human rights — these are the most important issues at the beginning of the third millennium."


"The end of the world has been anticipated many times and has never come, of course. And it won't come this time either. We need not fear for our planet. It was here before us and most likely will be here after us. But that doesn't mean that the human race is not at serious risk. As a result of our endeavors and our irresponsibility our climate might leave no place for us. If we drag our feet, the scope for decision-making — and hence for our individual freedom — could be considerably reduced."

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