avitripp,
What I see between the lines is somewhat similar to what I see in Tibetan Buddhism. The concept of a person stopping their conscious or rational thinking, and truly being the essence of God.
I have often wondered if humans are meant to be burning petroleum at this point in time. Is this all just part of the story that is being orchestrated by the unseen intelligence running the Universe? But then the caustic smell of gasoline, raw or combusted, brings me back to my version of reality.
The contrast between nature and humans also raises doubts in my mind. I have had the honor of seeing a cougar cruising slowly alongside a creek in the wilderness- contrast this with that chemical plant by the the second narrows bridge.
Sure it could be part of the story; although as humans we have the ability to be discussing this sort of thing amongst ourselves. I can't speak for dinosaurs, or other extinct life forms, but it seems to me that this is the difference with humans. With the knowledge available to us; it seems that humans are the one life form that has progressed to the point, that we do more than just survive (jazz, art, climbers.)
This is really the essence of my thinking. I like the human form. Look at the mechanics of a knee, or the spectacle of our bodies in general. Or how about the climber moving steadily, powerfully, up a beautiful feature; their mind filled only with the scenery and movement. How about the back country skier traversing across a couloir at speed, their unique view of the fall line, the authority of a solid pole plant, the free fall between turns. We have a good thing going here, and it makes sense to me to try and prolong it as long as possible; within the realm of the universe/geologic time frame. It is also important (to me) to prolong it with a high quality of life. This would be the direct answer to "why give a rat's ass." Quality of water, quality of air, and temperatures that work for humans and our foods.
Which brings me back to Buddhism. There is a lot to be learned from those concepts. For example: compassion and selfishness. The two words alone are reason enough for one to minimize their impact, as they pass through this reality.
However, I've never liked the passive concept of just letting things happen. It seems like there is just too much natural evil in the human mind. Accessing the will and moving forth with principles that are more positive, seems like a better way. Who says these principle are the "right way" and where do they come from? I don't know, but I do know what it feels like to be affected by evil; and ultimately what keeps this human going is: the beauty of snow dusted dark rock interlaced with spider lines of cold bombproof ice. Not to mention what it feels like to be way, way out there and to see the Earth in it's natural state. I, for one, have been tormented about hurting the Earth ever since.