The essay starts with the parable about parachuting cats to Borneo in order to trace the idea that it is more essential to focus on solutions rather than problems. In the story, the spread of malaria was a major threat to the country’s residents back in the 1950s. The researchers suggested using a DDT spray to get rid of mosquitoes, leading to their death. However, it caused a number of nuisances, including the rat infestation because cats died due to the intake of this spray. Amory Lovins refers to that case because, in many cases, the cause of the problem is the solution itself. Sometimes, people contemplate the issues that do not have to be solved or instead come up with decisions that would not contribute to their resolution. The author claims that to improve the world, individuals must thoroughly develop ideas and technologies to make the planet safer. Any person can contribute to the world’s future and create a friendly environment for living.
Lovins provides a brief story as a metaphor for the explanation of a global issue. He says: “So now is the time to be practitioners, not theorists; to be synthesists, not specialists; to do solutions, not problems; to do transformation, not incrementalism” (Lovins 2). The author utilized a contrasting literary device four times in a sentence to demonstrate the difference between human words and actions. It is vital that humans start practicing what they learn, synthesize knowledge instead of just knowing something, create solutions and not problems, and transform information into practice without merely storing it. As a reader, it is evident that people tend to collect knowledge but rarely use it to solve problems, thereby creating a chain of other issues. By stating the selected quote, Lovins makes one think of applying everything they learn to practice and develop robust solutions to create a better world. It also encourages individuals to participate in the decision-making process regarding the most acute global problems.
Lovins attempts to prove the idea that individuals tend to focus on the problems more than on solutions themselves. Trying to eliminate one issue may lead to the emergence of others, causing even bigger consequences. It is a typical sequence of actions when humans want to improve their lives yet, make wrong decisions. One poorly-thought step can destroy the entire order, as it often happens in real life. Once I was told a story about a man who decided to build a house but decided to have a wooden foundation instead of a concrete one in the swampy area. This pivotal action led to the destruction of his lodgings just in a year due to the soil’s peculiarities. It proves the idea of Lovins’ text – we need to concentrate on wise solutions.
The text is genuinely inspirational since it provides a clear understanding of why people should act for the common good. I truly enjoyed the writing style of Lovins – it calls for action. His use of alliteration (several paragraphs begin with the same words, “Imagine a world”) creates a vocational tone and makes one believe they can contribute to the world’s future. The author’s use of the symbolic anecdote about parachuting cats was the most effective means of translating the main idea – focus on solutions, not the problems. Finally, Lovins’ essay is great for contemplating the future and the potential each of us has to make it better.
Work Cited
Lovins, Amory. “Imagine a World.” RMI, 2007.