Why Our Species Keeps Embarrassing Us

We think our gossamer conceit of civilization

lifts us above the "lower" species,

but scratch the surface with so much as a whisker

and our primal egocentrism squirms out and takes charge.

Ideology is sophisticated denial, no substitute for evolution.

Authoritarian religion provides absolution for our atrocities

and gives us comforting consensus. Laws celebrate power.

It's up to individuals to work toward enlightenment.

We are on our own, and we're outnumbered.

                                                                                                                                          m.d. paust