I can think of so many things to be grateful for. So many things.

But I shut down at least once a day feeling the woes of the world and the hubris of humanity. Why is humankind an invasive species? Why do people, as a whole, feel that they are above every other living thing? I’ve heard various explanations.

It’s religion; Christian stewardship, sure, but also the powerful force that comes from belief.

It’s colonialism; the agricultural and technological revolutions overpowered the balance found in indigenous values.

It’s biology; our big brains need more sustenance than other beings so humans consumed and required more. Or maybe the biological urge to procreate mixed with medical advancements.

It’s all of these things and none of them.

The real answer is far too complex, and we’ve created ism monsters: capitalism, colonialism, individualism, socialism, racism, antisemitism, nepotism, classism, ableism, ageism. The ism monsters were born in the real world, but they thrive online.

How can I make a difference?

If you don’t make a difference, who will?

We need to make big changes.

We need to make smaller, incremental changes first.

I, we, I, we, us, our, us, our.

If there’s a higher being, then we aren’t fully responsible for ourselves.

If there isn’t a higher power, then what is the point?

If there is some sort of natural order, maybe the world will fix itself?

Words aren’t enough. Talking isn’t enough. But we can’t seem to even talk about it. How are we going to make real change if we don’t take action? How are we going to take action if we can’t agree on what it should be? How can we agree on what it should be if we can’t even talk to each other?

Find hope somewhere. Battle the ism monsters.

It isn’t yes or no. This or that. Us or them. It’s all of us together.