Ben and I are here in Berlin on the weekend of extraordinary buildup to Monday, November 9th -- the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Hearing and seeing so many reminders of the transformative power of individuals working together with a common understanding of what's truly at stake, I'm thinking about climate change and the fact that it is an issue of such overwhelming significance for us all.
This is an iconic photograph that you have probably seen many, many times -- the photo taken in December 1972 during the Apollo 17 space mission. A photo of home, something we all share. It is ours. And we have responsibility for it.
Normally we refer to it as "the" earth -- as though it's something 'out there' that exists on its own, separate, apart.
Language is a transmitter, and when used respectfully, has the capacity to transform and identify, in a simple medium, the essence of human experience.
I have a proposal.
From now on, I will no longer refer to "the" earth, but to "our" earth. Not the definite article, but the possessive. Our earth.
So far, I've mentioned this to three people; Martin Hope of the British Council, Martin Frick of the Global Humanitarian Forum, Benjamin Barber founder of Interdependence Day. We've made a pact. Want to join us?
our earth- i am happy to join you on our earth.
ReplyDeletea suggestion to add to your book collection-
suzi gablik's 'conversations before the end of time' an eye opener!
and if you havent already- visit www.greenmuseum.org
what better way to refer to our earth than as "our earth"? This should be part of the new global social contract.
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