Everybody is an expert at opinion...

While reading the second chapter of The Unsettling of America titled "The Ecological Crisis as a Crisis of Character" I came across the Berry's discussion of the "specialized system." Berry goes provides a basis for the discussion on the idea of conservation, or rather the lack of such an idea in our culture. He highlights that our society is a service oriented regime with little concern for anything other than convience and self interest. The most concise way I can restate his argument is that our lives are full of stuff and not substance. He jumps from a discussion of the lack of environmental concern to a critical view of the everyday lives of individuals and their choices, thoughts, and actions. I'm weary to ask, but regardless, why does it matter? I don't mean that in a environmental sacreligious way. What I am curious about is the purpose of his remarks and to what end? Berry pointed to a specialized society which provides no pride for the products we use, because we did not make them, and no understanding beyond the specialization we hold, because we don't learn anything but what we need. Why is it wrong for one to assume that his role in life is to get a job, get married, role over, and die? Why, if one does not care to buy into scientific opinions about global warming, environmental degredation, or toxins in everything he eats, would he have to stop and think otherwise? In relation to this character flaw that Berry is alluding to in people of our time, I see that his argument is spurrious, because Berry himself seems to be a specialist at something, writing. He may have other qualities, but to blame everyone for not taking up his cause, and assuming they just don't care is insane. Besides, it is also human nature to evolve and adapt. We change as problems arise. We will adapt when the situation gets bad enough. Until then, Berry, remain prophetic, but relax.