The formation of the universe, creation of planets, and origin of life have been interpreted from varied perspectives since the dawn of time.
From whichever school of thought you hail, one thing must be held as universal truth; Earth's complex systems of life are our greatest examples of perfection.
The solutions to our most challenging obstacles are more and more often solved through natural means. The further our technological advancement reaches, the more it replicates nature.
Nature is perfect.
As our planet evolves, obvious visible changes in nature are present all around us.
Visible; even through insects.
The variety and volume of low-altitude spiders in the South Bay was astonishing. I often recount the scene at a late summer game at Dodger Stadium a few years back. Freakishly large, incredibly fast moths, with what looked like a protective exoskeleton were flying around the park in huge numbers. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced, and something I knew I'd never forget.
The Windy City has showcased countless high-rise window spiders, massive groups of dragonflies along Lake Michigan, and the deafening siren-like buzz of male cicadas from the tree lined parks. I've read about the cicadas natural cycle, they historically appear en mass once every 17 summers. However this year, due to extremely hot conditions without much rainfall, they've appeared 4 years before scheduled. There was another scene months back on my building's roof deck; the air had an automotive exhaust like smell and feel to it. Small, fly like bugs were hovering in swarms while hundreds of small birds darted around the theater, presumably feasting on the insects.
Years of air and water pollution have provided great assistance in creating our current conditions.
From ecosystems, to weather conditions, to physical human features, alterations throughout nature have made significant impact throughout our world.
This is one of the most ominous signs of our time.
Aside from unfortunate cases of birth defects/deformities, humans are compiled of elements handed down from family members who came before. Features of the face, body shape, hair pattern, skin tone; all derived from generations past.
The first notion that some natural born feature of the young woman, or young man, does not fit the parameters society has agreed upon . . . medical science has a solution for sale.
Modification.
This is an alarming step in our "evolution".
The further society leans towards appearance over substance, the greater the demand for cosmetic modification.
The complexities of nature and the time in which we live make it difficult for us to break down the events and advancement around us into pieces of a great puzzle. However, the more you allow yourself to accept, the easier it is to digest.
The population in American/European influenced world has agreed upon an ultimate image of beauty. Celebrity has set the tone for attractive versus ugly. When young girls are born nearly perfect in this day in age, the one feature out of proportion can be surgically modified.
This single move is a blatant disrespect for natural order.
In all cases I've been witness to, there is no such thing as singular surgery when it comes to personal modification. Please refer to the greatest celebrities of our time as the years progress . . . notice the changes in their appearances . .
It becomes as regular as a fitness routine, or a drug addiction.
There is born an unquenchable need for approval, and an unending quest for "beauty".
These are the circumstances we are faced with.
The notion of "man playing god" is far more than a popular cliche. It is a concept that holds world changing implications. There is no way to quantify exactly how or to what degree order is disturbed; there's simply a feeling that something is out of place. The greater influence children have on their parents, the more adults try to preserve appearance of youth; the more artificial relationships become. The old adage "it's what inside that counts" seems to be yesterday's news. I often muse at how awesome movies were when actors were picked for their talent before their looks. These days the most evil characters you'll find on the screen are just as beautiful as the male and female leads. We are so focused on the surface of our reality, depth is all but ignored.
As has been the overall theme of the Smog Chronicles since inception; substance is forever greater than appearance. Creation is the example; all we must do is pay attention, and follow her lead. Harmony between man and his surroundings is essential to the survival of both. Alterations to the landscape, or the human face, are a disruption to life in session. What seems like an insignificant alteration creates a disconnect that can never fully reconnect.
As part of nature, we are perfect exactly the way god created us.
