Ishmael: themes and analysis

Ishmael

Dear Ishmael

Seeing the world through your gorilla eyes has meant a complete shift in the way I think about human history. In fact, your point-of-view has catalyzed a consciousness change in me, affecting my worldview and my political perspectives. I have come to realize how the "Takers" have literally taken over the world by brute force and that "Leaver" cultures have generally presented more peaceful, reasonable, and sustainable methods of living. The triumph of one culture over another does not at all prove one's superiority over the other. All world history has proven is that arrogance and self-righteousness define dominant cultures. Colonialism proved how far the Takers are willing to go to impose their worldview. With overt hypocrisy, the Takers claim to be morally superior than the Leavers while at the very same time killing and denigrating Leavers.

Your views seem extreme and radical in the modern world. Few of us whose ancestors are Takers would be willing to adopt a Leaver lifestyle. The world has changed far too much to support communal lifestyles on a large scale. Leavers can survive or rebuild their communities but only on a small scale and in great opposition to larger forces such as governments run by Taker cultures. Mass production and the global market economy have essentially made Leaver cultures unable to thrive on cottage industries or small-scale subsistence agriculture. City dwellers are unlikely to surrender their creature comforts. The Taker way of life has triumphed and even those of us with high ideals fail to make the wholesale changes that would be necessary to transform the world as you suggest. However, I appreciate your optimism in suggesting that the world and human consciousness are evolving toward increased intelligence and sophistication as well as increased complexity. As you point out, the strength of character exuded by many human beings suggests that we can infuse wisdom into our current way of life. We can keep progressing toward scientific and technological goals while retaining our core human values. I would like to learn more about your vision of the future and what practical steps need to be taken to promote positive change.

A sometimes wonder what wisdom a gorilla can offer humanity. Your perspective is sound and logical but seems to overlook the power of human nature in determining the course of history. Greed and lust for power have created situations in which Leaver societies have themselves surrendered peace. I believe it may be too late to undo what centuries of behavior has wrought. Differences in opinion over how human beings should live are difficult to mediate because so many Takers base their views on religion. As you point out, religion is often distorts reality by creating untenable myths. Yet if a Taker culture bases its entire reason for being on religion it is impossible to use reason to counteract their arguments. In the end, a fundamentalist will always point to some irrational argument for why their views are the correct ones. People like me might agree with you but the majority of people in the world do not.

In simplifying your vision and condensing your argument into one main thesis: that Taker civilization is destroying the world, I believe you might have left out several key details that would strengthen your argument and provide a better picture of possible futures. For one, you do not dwell enough on race, gender, and ethnicity and the corresponding structural inequities in human culture. You also do not talk about how class status impacts the evolution of human societies. The subjugation of whole groups of people by others is not always predicated on their relationship to the land. Leavers are not the only people who have been terrorized and oppressed by Takers.

Because you are a gorilla whose views and values are closely connected to the environment, I understand that you might not be able to tackle some of the deeper reasons for the insanity that has come to characterize human behavior. I do not feel that human nature would allow for the structural changes you envision, either, because the world is now deeply entrenched in a global market economy that informs the worldview of most of the planet's six billion people. In such a pluralistic world, it would be impossible for anyone with a Leaver mentality to make much of a political impact. Changing the world, I am afraid, is a process that depends on two main variables: working within the system, and working within the individual. Working within the system while working on oneself is the optimal combination of actions. The individual who takes full responsibility for his or her actions would not be able to lead without invoking the same ethical principles you do.

Another important point I would love to hear you comment on is the fact that many people would disagree with you wholeheartedly. Do you believe those who disagree are simply ignorant, or do you value their input as being integral to the fabric of human society? If you do value their input, what are some of the ways we can work together with people from different backgrounds and with different worldviews? How do you feel about human government and politics? In a pluralistic democracy like the United States, leaders are elected by a majority. If your views are in the minority, then what are some of the steps you would take to achieve your objectives while allowing others to promote their own ideals?

I believe that the most important differences between Taking and Leaving cultures are not based on any fundamental, biological, or genetic differences but rather on simple behaviorism and social learning. Takers are socialized to believe that their worldview is superior to that of the Leavers. Leavers can be just as rigid in their outlook on life, evident in the superstitious religions and rigid social norms practices by many traditional societies. On the other hand, many Taker societies like those of Western Europe and North America practice democratic and enlightened social values that emphasize liberty and justice.