The Philosophy of Sustainability: Element 1 - Impermanence

This is Part 1 of a 6-part series wherein elements of a philosophy of sustainability are suggested.

Elements of the Philosophy of Sustainability

A search of the Internet will identify hundreds of occurrences of the phrase, “The Philosophy of Sustainability.” All around the world, major corporations, professional and trade organizations, municipal governments, universities, and grassroots organizations use the label “sustainability” to state why they do what they do.  While use of the term is prevalent, very few organizations articulate specific elements of their philosophy of sustainability.  Most simply leave that to the discretion of the reader – perhaps assuming that those attracted to the material will have already formed a notion consistent with the author’s. 

What seems to be missing is a simple set of guiding principles for the philosophy of sustainability.  By considering the questions, “what is real,” “what is good,” and “how do you know” from a perspective consistent with behaviors that balance human needs against those of other living things both now and in the future, six elements of the philosophy of sustainability are offered to aid the reader in formulating a personal philosophy of sustainability.

1.      Impermanence

“To everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time for every purpose under Heaven.”

Turn, Turn, Turn – Pete Seeger (after Ecclesiastes)

The universe, from galaxies to subatomic particles, is in a constant state of change.  This is an indisputable fact.  Nothing about our physical reality remains the same from moment to moment.  Some changes are imperceptible while others are dramatic. Regardless of the rate, every physical thing constantly changes at some level.

By observing Nature, we recognize that change follows cycles of creation and destruction.  We also learn that these cycles repeat themselves in a manner akin to a never-ending dance: complex steps that propel the dancers in countless directions yet repeat themselves in recognizable patterns.  Whether a planet orbiting the sun, an element cycling between sea and atmosphere, or an electron spinning within an atom, forces of Nature impose order and direction on the innumerable changes constantly underway.  That this impermanent reality is “good,” is self-evident in that we all depend on its continuation to experience this reality.

Because humans have emerged from this impermanent reality, any human construct will by definition be equally subject to the universal law of change.  Just as ecosystems orchestrate many seemingly discordant elements into stable systems, humans are capable of creating order out of apparent chaos.  Given a clear objective, humans have the ability to focus their efforts and achieve magnificent results.  While the physical reality of the effort will of necessity abide by the law of change, the mental and spiritual realities may transcend that law.

The constant of physical change is generally at odds with human enterprise.  If one hopes to sustain a physical creation – whether a monument or city, maintenance of that structure will be a constant struggle against the elements of Nature.  Such a task, like Sisyphus’ can become futile and hopeless.  If, on the other hand, one has a clear vision to guide the effort, then the physical tasks become more tolerable.

Ideas come and go just like the cycles of nature.  When the time is right, certain ideas resonate with a culture, spread rapidly, and are passed along to future generations.  Not all ideas are “good,” even if they are endorsed by large numbers of people.  As many examples of good ideas gone awry and bad ideas gone worse can be found in human history as good ideas sustained.  From the individual to the group, humans seem intent on establishing a goal and then marching steadfastly in that direction despite evidence that the path is flawed.  Catastrophic consequences are often needed to shake us out of our stupors so that we can see things from a fresh perspective.

While physical reality endlessly changes, ideas can endure and serve as a focal point for human enterprise.  Ideas too, however, deserve to be scrutinized for continued relevance and updated as knowledge is gained.