Surving Human Nature
Preface
Aging brings some
wisdom and some acquiescence to the world of Samara – the swarming of
humans in ephemeral groups, driven by needs and desires that can never be
satisfied. I am convinced that human nature involves a collection of tendencies
and contradictions what have prevailed
for hundreds of thousands of years and will not change in the foreseeable
future. The huge increase in population and the spread of new global ideas and
methods of wealth creation should moderate and sometimes overwhelm human nature
but only the names and places change – the behaviors remain the same. I am impressed by optimistic humans who work
to solve the world's problems even when successes are modest. Problems recur.
Success turns to failure. In this 21st century, a more realistic philosophy of
human life is required as we recognize that it is impossible to permanently
change human nature by social and political means - by education, persuasion,
coercion and law. Technological innovation may reduce carbon emissions, for
example, but the energy needs of a growing human population will be difficult
to satisfy.
Leaning and Guha-Sapir summarized the threats to humans in
the 21st century:” The effects of armed conflict and natural disasters on
global public health are widespread. In the years ahead, the international
community must address the root causes of these crises. Natural disasters,
particularly floods and storms, will become more frequent and severe because of
climate change. Organized deadly onslaughts against civilian populations will
continue, fueled by the availability of small arms, persistent social and
political inequities, and, increasingly, by a struggle for natural resources.
These events affect the mortality, morbidity, and well-being of large
populations. Humanitarian relief will always be required, and there is a
demonstrable need, as in other areas of global health, to place greater emphasis
on prevention and mitigation... armed conflicts persist, with entrenched
internal violence lasting for years, in countries such as Sudan, The eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo and Kenya.) Advances in small-arms technology and struggles over natural
resources of international value (oil , natural gas and rare minerals) make
conflict resolution challenging.
Civilians bear the burden. Families are forced to move from
their homes to escape internecine violence. Refugees cross national borders and
are legally entitled to assistance in United Nations (UN)–managed camps. But
increasingly since the mid-1980s, people have been unable to cross
international frontiers and so remain internally displaced They are often at higher risk for
malnutrition and disease than residents or refugees."
[i] Natural
Disasters, Armed Conflict, and Public HealthJennifer Leaning, M.D., and
Debarati Guha-Sapir, Ph.D. N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1836-1842 November 7, 2013