If Humans Disappeared

Biologist E O Wilson, as well as other scientists, have studied the complex interdependence among various species in the biosphere. He found that every species makes a constructive contribution — small or great — to the ecology of the planet. For example, if vegetation decreases, herbivores suffer. And if the number of herbivores decreases, the carnivores are affected. Wilson found that only the human species does not contribute to the ecology. If we became extinct, there would hardly be any problems for other species or for the ecology. In fact, most ecological problems would be solved if humans became extinct. All scriptures say that human potential is fully realised when we contribute to the planet at the spiritual level. When we function only at the material level, our potential is underused and even misused. The Bhagavata Maha Purana offers a mission statement, “Humans should function in the material realm only for maintaining existence, not for seeking enjoyment. For they will find real happiness only in spiritual realisation.” Normally, parents nurture children. Similarly, in the cosmic family, God, the divine father, and Nature, the divine mother, maintain all living beings. And just as children live happily when they follow their parents, we too can flourish if we live in harmony with Nature and God. When children shun the protective embrace of their parents, they are open to risk. When humans reject God’s protection and embrace materialism and consumerism instead, they experience stress, anxiety, violence and ecological disaster.

Source: Economic Times, 4/02/2019