Mr. Driscoll
I want to thank you for your review of my book, Where We Stand: A Surprising Look at the Real State of Our Planet. You and your readers might indeed be surprised at my thanking you for a review that was quite unfavorable to the book. I will explain. First of all, I think your review was fair and comprehensive, and portrayed the major themes of my book with great accuracy. Your frequent use of quotes from the book were not distorted in any way, and I think give the reader a pretty good idea of where I stand.
The fact is that on most of the factual issues, we are in agreement. Our differences lie in emphasis, and most importantly in our world views. As you correctly state, I do believe that through technology and science we can solve the problems we create for ourselves, as we continue our progress toward a better life for all humanity. The evidence of this progress is presented in the book, and is clear to anyone who has read (or lived through) enough history. Your world view, it appears from your review, is that only a regression away from a consumption and technology based society, with a rising population and standard of living will save the planet. I see this as a fallacious argument for exactly the reason you raise. Everything is all connected, as you state. And we know that periods of retrenchment, both in loss of population, and reversal of technological progress, has always led to societal collapse and human misery. And as you correctly state, I care less for the planet itself, than I do for the welfare of the humans who live in it. I make this quite clear in the book, and I am fully aware that many people do not share this view.
I am not trying to change your mind. World views are deeply held, fundamental beliefs, and in fact, I would not recommend my book to readers who adamantly share your world view. But for those who might have a more optimistic attitude or at least a less strongly held belief in the ultimate evil of human activity, the book may have considerable interest.
Again thank you for the review, and all the best for the holiday season.
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