Jim Brumm: Long-Term Thinking for a Short-Sighted World

We worship individualism in our society. This emphasis on the individual has caused many of us to insulate ourselves from each other and created a loss of community. America has long promoted the belief/myth that “anyone who works hard can pull themselves up by the bootstraps” and achieve success. There is some truth to this, of course, but over time it has fostered an economic model that emphasizes “looking out for number one.”
    We have isolated ourselves and our families to the point where the majority of Americans can’t name their neighbors. People in trouble often suffer in isolation while those next-door remain oblivious. The advent of the suburbs—though they are billed as the American dream way of living—has actually degraded a sense of community as each family individually struggles in their own bubble. Faceless, corporate, global food and product distributers build giant stores to service these suburban dwellers, taking profits from the communities and cutting them off further from their local economy and neighbors.
    A long-term perspective would show that there is great benefit to making sure that everyone is working together to ensure that there is enough for everyone, creating a sort of community safety net. This includes shifting our support from mega-corporate entities to smaller, local, businesses run by individuals in our own communities. A long-term prospective reveals that though we may pay slightly more for the same goods or services, in the long run great benefits are created for all. Many who live in the suburbs commute long distances to their places of work, forcing them to spend large amounts on gasoline and hours in mind-numbing traffic. Working far from home, pumping our dollars into giant corporate interests, and isolating ourselves from each other creates a disconnect from community and the fullness of life.
    When you can, shop locally. Remember that every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of life and society you want. If you can, live near where you work. If you can’t, consider beginning the process of visualizing how you might change your lifestyle so that your home and your occupation are more in sync with each other. Meet your neighbors. Do something for your community; volunteer somewhere. Despite our image of the rugged, lone American forging his or her own destiny, there are people in your community who need help. With a larger, longer-term perspective, together we can envision and manifest a life and a world that is kinder, happier, and more sustainable.