Koyaanisqatsi

While this extraordinary movie was made in 1982, little has changed except the advance of technology.   However, I disagree with its overall tone of "civilization is bad, only "Nature" is good."

I am also disappointed in that they only show America as the "life out of balance."  The abject poverty of India, China and the effects of Communism on Russia, etc. show a much more devastating Koyannisqatis than is present in this country.  Although the film shows Blacks living in ghettos and ruin, as if this were the only thing available to them,  it only takes a moment to realize that Blacks are unable to sustain the quality of life presented to them, and their current joblessness and lack of housing is self perpetuating.   Drugs, gangs, dropping out of school and resentment of White achievement are self induced and no amount of gifted opportunities and housing will change it.

If nature is only represented by the endless, arid Arizona desert, then you can keep it.  I know that real balance is only accessed by inner contemplation, meditation and the like.  Whether you run barefoot on the beach in rags or meditate in your 40 story penthouse, we can all achieve a balanced life if we work at it.   Our 21st Century civilization has more medicine, education, clean and cheap energy, water, food and comfort than at any other time in history.    While we all know of the devastation of atomic bombs and wars, Man has always been at war with himself and others.  However, this is the exception, not the rule.  Our lives of health, safety and comfort far outweigh anything else.

All civilizations come to an end and we are no exception.   Whether war or natural catastrophe or asteroids from space destroy us, we can only live the best life we can in the here and now.  Koyaanisqatsi, or a life out of balance has always been part of the game.