Let me first explain the concept of GAIA to those who are unaware and might well be fighting off the urge to scratch their head. The GAIA I am talking about is a planet mentioned in Isaac Asimov's book Foundation's Edge (1982). Asimov describes GAIA as a super-organism comprising of the whole planet and all its parts living or non-living, with a common planetary conscioussness. All objects, even inanimate ones take part in the planetary consciousness although the extent of their participation varies. Its like all different individuals in this world are united by a single brain. As a result, Gaians are united by a common destiny. There are creatures and humans on it, but damage to any one of them is a damage to whole super-organism and hence to everyone present on that planet and attached to the conscioussness of the planet. So like a giant family they work together and maintain perfect peace, harmony and ecological balance on the planet. They lead their individual lives but at all times their actions are governed by the requirement to protect and prevent decay or damage of each and every part of their planet. The concept in itself is revolutionary and beautiful. GAIA is a world free of crimes, evil, treachery and selfishness unlike our world. Hence it is labelled as the perfect society and ecosystem - the stuff of dreams.
Over the years, the word Gaia has become synonymous with the perfect ecological system. Environmental organisations existing around the world use this term frequently to describe an Earth free from environmental problems - something they strive for. In fact, the company Sanyo's brand vision is : "Think GAIA" representing its commitment to deliver eco-friendly products. But is it really something we should strive for??? I will get back to it in a minute.
Evolution and adaptation to changing climatic and environmental conditions, as we very well know, are essential for our survival. Over millions of years, intelligent life has eveolved on Earth and continues to evolve further. Suppose evolution ceases. So gradually we will struggle to exist with the changing environment as Earth gets older and hotter, sun ceases to shine, universe gets cooler etc. Well a society like GAIA will cease to evolve further as there is no need for it to evolve. It will strive to maintain the perfect eco-system for its inhabitants defying the changing universe. Slowly and slowly as universe will continue to decay, it will become more and more difficult for GAIA to maintain its ecological balance. It would have stopped its technological development ages ago and it will begin to perish having been stunted in its growth by the achievement of a unified planetary consciousness.Let me explain that a bit further. The feeling of individuality is essential for technological, social and mental advancement of the human race. The greatest human achievements, in whatever field they may be, have been possible only because of strongly motivated individuals driven by ambition. Its something that is common to all - the sense of personal achievement. Isn't it something that we all work for? Can you think of anyone who has worked and strived for anything but one or the other kind of personal achievement. In a way, our individuality and the need to compete with others lead to our mental, physical, social and technological advancement - the survival of the fittest. However, in a society like GAIA the individuality is lost and hence the sense of personal achievement is lost. As a result the advancement of the race ceases and it takes a slow but sure path to doom.
This is what I think. Egoistic nature of humans is a necessary evil. But I will surely like to hear your views on it. Even if you have nothing to add I would like to hear a mere yes or no from you. So do post a comment.
Eagerly awaiting your response...
Nikunj.
Reference link for the second image used with the permission of the owner :
http://fantasyartdesign.com
