Choices © Eric R. Pianka "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." -- J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets If humans are to continue to inhabit Earth, we will eventually have to lessen our ecological footprint substantially. We are going to have to change our lifestyles and rethink our very existence. If we want to improve prospects for our future descendents (our afterlife), we must choose to act now. Here's a short list of some ways you can empower yourself and some things you can personally do: Celebrate yourself, live up to your full human potential! Think, care, and try . . . Avoid going into denial and self deception Understand and control your emotions and know they stem from hard-wired instincts Supress your genetic urge to reproduce and try to convince others not to have kids, too Realize greed is a hard-wired instinct and control it Understand the Ponzi scheme stock market is designed to foster runaway greed Do not allow yourself to be brainwashed by politicians, religious fanaticists or conspiracy theorists Understand that our leaders are liars entrenched in self deceipt, and vote accordingly Be egalitarian and fair to others Cut back on your use of energy and water Walk, ride a bike, or use public transport If you must drive, use a small car or a hybrid (No SUVs or Hummers, please!) Grow your own garden, or at least some things Eat as low as you can on the food chain Minimize trips, energy usage, use fluorescent light bulbs Install a solar water heater Live frugally and recycle Barter and trade goods and services Do not eat or drink out of plastic or Styrofoam Problem is, what about all those other people who refuse to take such actions? See Selection for Uncaring Humanoids. Last updated 3 September 2014 by Eric R. Pianka