History as Geology

The meaning of history can only be expressed in geological terms. Everything else we can say is just teleological daydreaming. Rather than study secular fantasies of transcendence (ala Marx or Hegel) we should examine more closely the patterns of glaciation if we want to quantify the absolute.

And this will inevitably lead to a crushing sense of despair. That we are on the precipice of a 100,000 heat-induced coma. Not sustainable development, Lovelock urges, but sustainable retreat.

Does this mean that we should abandon hope, or that the struggle for universal justice should be forfeited? To say that geology is, in the most real sense, destiny, is not to embrace nihilism, nor should we relinquish volition in the quest to widen possibility and achieve restoration for the oppressed. Which is also now the earth.

(To trust in youth. Because youth means: to live outside of – or before all -- history).