Ishmael Dear Ishmael Seeing the Essay

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.

To meld Taker and Leaver cultures would mean "taking" what is best from both and "leaving" the rest. Takers are consumed with the idea of progress, and Leavers might be too uninterested in intellectual or technological advancements. Leavers might be less consumed by greed than Takers, but ultimately both cultures cannot extricate themselves from the most basic features of human nature including the survival instinct. The future of human life depends on being able to acknowledge each others' strengths and weaknesses and to agree to disagree.

A try to take the best from each: to assume the confident, progress-oriented vision of the Takers while admitting that greed is endemic to human nature. In my daily life I know that the decisions I make are having a far-reaching impact on the planet and so I try not to take more than I need, while giving whatever surplus I have away. At the same time, competition for resources is fierce. Our egos urge us to continually press to outrun, out perform, out-earn our fellow human beings. This level of Taker competitiveness has some desirable consequences such as continued social and technological progress. Taker societies are permitting a wide range of opinions and voices to be heard so that Leavers also have a forum to share their values and have them incorporated into the mainstream......