All posts by Rick Simmons

Founding contributor and creator of Natural Earth Striving an Earth Ethic and Earth Research Explorers, a vision that accepts and includes everyone on Earth as stakeholders, stewards, explorers, researchers, creators, pattern recognizers, ground truthers, innovators, hypothesis generators, etc. Suppose you look at these two entities and consider them as a cycle. In that case, it gets everyone contributing towards a more continuous adaptive striving for desired future conditions on planet Earth from a broad scale to a fine scale. This leads us to a more holistic positive energy reality for the health of everyone, everything, everywhere on Earth. The vision includes a loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, genuine kindness striving to bring about conditions of comfort, joy, love, hope, faith, and sustainable striving happiness foundation for everyone on Earth, transitioning most laws, rules, regulations, policies, to holistic prescriptive advice.

Sustainability indicators

Sustainability indicators are meant to geographically depict and measure how we are doing compared to desire future condition.   It also works With area based investment.   As we function in our world, we need something to give us the status about what we were doing and how we measure up.   Sustainability indicators also give us examples of relative need in our world. It is kind of like a Geographic help project. If we understand the desired future condition, then it isn’t very hard to go ahead and measure up how well we are doing compared to that desired future conditions.   As we all contribute, we can understand the relative needs in our world and where to invest.

Sustainability indicators are indispensable tools that provide a comprehensive and spatially nuanced framework for assessing our current trajectory against desired future conditions. They harness geographical data to depict and measure performance across various environmental, social, and economic dimensions, offering granular insights into localized challenges and opportunities. This detailed spatial understanding is paramount for optimizing area-based investment, enabling us to strategically allocate resources to regions where they can generate the most significant impact.

Far beyond simple metrics, these indicators effectively articulate the relative urgency and specific requirements within our planetary and local contexts. They transform complex data into actionable intelligence, streamlining the process of evaluating our current efforts against our aspirational goals. Ultimately, sustainability indicators precisely empower stakeholders to identify critical gaps, foster accountability, and guide collective contributions, ensuring that our efforts are channeled towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

Earth Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle with the location enabled integrated device contributions to scientific research

The Earth Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle, with a location-enabled integrated device among other features, enables us to focus on one of the most important things on Earth: advancing scientific research. It allows us to work together, both actively and passively, to save our planet from ourselves.   It is a collaboration concept designed to enable everyone to contribute to a form of pure democracy. But it’s way beyond pure democracy.  It is about continuous adaptation, striving together toward the desired future condition for Earth.  This concept also fosters unity, equity, collaboration, community, and a range of other positive impacts.  It enables us to contribute to a census whenever we need to address problems on Earth, from the fine scale to the broad scale.  The tremendous benefits it offers are that it includes everyone on earth by enabling the sharing of ideas, hypotheses, creativity, and effort toward a brighter future.  Imagine contributing to planetary health and Cumulative totality (everyone, everything, everywhere), especially our local communities.   Likewise, we all contribute to the health and well-being of everyone. Everything everywhere on earth takes into consideration our collective similarities and our unique diversity.  Consequently, it enables us to develop holistic prescription advice for humanity.

The vision for the Earth Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle is nothing short of transformative. At its core, this innovative initiative, powered by integrated, location-enabled devices, empowers each of us to engage in the most crucial endeavor of our time: contributing directly to scientific research.

It offers an unprecedented platform for individuals worldwide to unite, actively and passively, in the urgent mission to safeguard our planet. More than a simple collaboration, this concept cultivates a new paradigm of collective intelligence, transcending traditional notions of pure democracy. It embodies a continuous, adaptive process, ceaselessly striving towards a more desirable future for all life on Earth.

This ambitious framework is designed to forge deeper unity, promote genuine equity, and foster profound collaboration across communities globally. It channels positive energy into tangible impacts, building a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.

The Cycle provides a vital mechanism for gathering essential insights, functioning as a perpetual “global census” whenever crucial data is needed to diagnose and address planetary challenges, from the most localized issues to the broadest ecological concerns.

Its most remarkable benefit lies in its radical inclusivity. By welcoming diverse ideas, innovative hypotheses, creative solutions, and dedicated effort from every corner of the planet it lights the path towards a brighter future for all. Imagine the power of collective wisdom directed towards improving planetary health, encompassing everyone, everything, and everywhere – with a special emphasis on our local communities.

Getting excited to live on earth again

I believe people need to be both excited and inspired in life. I was inspired by attending college after my high school experience was less academic and more sports-oriented. Currently, we are conditioned to be consumers and to watch advertising.  In fact, scrolling on the Internet has become more of an advertising thing than a learning thing.  I believe that the Earth Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle, with the location enabled integrated device will get people excited about living on Earth again.    It is a collection of knowledge about everything known on planet Earth. It integrates all universities and all governments worldwide. The concept is a unifier and an equity builder. It is for everyone on Earth and focuses on inspiring inclusion and providing incentives to get everyone involved. Exploration is more than shopping; it is the exploration of planet Earth in every aspect, in every way, in every shape and form. It’s cultural, artistic, natural monuments, learning points, national parks, natural areas, Significant places, beaches, mountains, ski areas, knowledge, events, nature values, humanity values, spiritual values, education points, history, buildings, museums, trails, and so much more. Hence, this concept is more about living life to the fullest, rather than scrolling on the Internet or sitting in front of the TV for most of the time.    The idea is to take back your active life and get inspired by learning and exploring again.  In fact, the cycle represents much more for our future, including a new approach to investing based on needs, considered relatively. Likewise, the cycle represents a way to continuously strive toward the desired future condition for the planet, involving all of us and each of us as part of the cycle. The most important part of the cycle is that people engage in scientific research actively and passively, working together with everyone, everything, everywhere, towards a brighter future.

My journey, much like many others, has been shaped by a profound belief in the human spirit’s innate need for both excitement and inspiration. My own academic path, initially overshadowed by athletic pursuits in high school, blossomed into a vibrant quest for knowledge in college, igniting a passion that continues to drive me.

Today, however, we find ourselves increasingly conditioned into a default state of passive consumption. Our digital landscapes, once heralded as frontiers of learning, have largely transformed into vast arenas for advertising, where endless scrolling often supplants genuine discovery. This societal drift away from active engagement and toward mere observation diminishes our collective potential and individual fulfillment.

It is from this understanding that I envision a transformative initiative: The Earth Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle. This isn’t merely a concept; it’s a profound re-imagining of our relationship with our planet and each other. At its heart, it is a comprehensive, continuously evolving repository of all human knowledge about Earth, meticulously curated and universally accessible. Its genius lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate the insights from every university and the governance structures of every nation, fostering an unprecedented global collaboration.

Powered by a sophisticated, location-enabled integrated device, this Cycle is designed to reawaken our innate sense of wonder and get people genuinely excited about living on Earth again. It stands as a beacon for unity and an architect of global equity, built on principles of inclusion and offering powerful incentives for everyone, everywhere, to participate.

This initiative champions true exploration — an exploration far beyond the confines of retail therapy or digital detachment. It invites us to delve into the boundless tapestry of Earth’s existence: its rich cultures, magnificent artistic expressions, awe-inspiring natural monuments, cherished national parks, pristine natural areas, historically significant sites, serene beaches, majestic mountains, exhilarating ski areas, vast reserves of knowledge, dynamic events, educational milestones, intricate histories, iconic architecture, profound museums, expansive trails, and so much more.

The Earth Unidiversity Research Explorer Cycle is, in essence, an invitation to embrace a life lived to its fullest, actively engaging with the world around us rather than merely observing it through a screen. It is about reclaiming personal agency, igniting our spirits through continuous learning, and embarking on adventures that enrich the soul. Looking ahead, this Cycle promises to be far more than an exploration tool; it represents a foundational shift towards a future where investments are strategically aligned with actual global needs and collective aspirations. It embodies a perpetual motion towards a universally desired future state for our planet, involving every individual and every community in a continuous, symbiotic cycle of growth and contribution.

I look forward to this nature immersion, humanity immersion, spiritual immersion, and knowledge immersion concept, and to all the positive energy benefits that come with it.  It allows us to restore the planet and engage in scientific research on Earth together, and for everyone to become a people-scoping contributor.  I’ve only touched the surface of what the cycle will do for our collective humanity.   Among other things, it allows people to improve their health and well-being.

Holistic adaptive natural health

We need to transition to holistic, adaptive natural health and more natural, earth-striving medicine.   Medicine these days is too reactionary and focuses on people being sick instead of holistic well-being.   I have noticed that reactionary medicine has become more like an industrial assembly line, waiting around for people to get sick.  Instead, we need to focus on more holistic approaches to transition. We all ought to strive to be naturally healthy by engaging in strength training, fitness training, conditioning, eating well, reducing pollution, eating organic foods, and eliminating detrimental stress. We should then avoid the industrial assembly line altogether. I think it’s a natural condition for us to be healthy rather than sick.   In fact, I often wonder how industrial reactionary medicine can deal with all of the side effects and medications. It appears as if sometimes the medicines make you sicker.   In contrast, we should focus on the causes of illness and address them holistically.   Too much research involves trying to find drugs to cure people who are already sick, when it makes more sense to try to find the cause and prevent that from occurring in the first place.   Take, for example, tobacco. Tobacco is known to cause cancer among other health problems. Why do we still have tobacco?   The same is true for Excess alcohol.   Consequently, we need to understand what’s naturally healthy and what is not, which requires an understanding of nature.

Our current approach to healthcare urgently demands a fundamental re-evaluation. The prevailing paradigm, often characterized by its reactive nature, primarily focuses on intervention after illness has manifested. This disease-centric model frequently feels akin to an intricate assembly line, proficient at processing and managing symptoms once individuals are already unwell, rather than proactively cultivating enduring health.

We must pivot towards a truly holistic and preventive framework – one that champions natural well-being and empowers individuals to thrive. True health, I believe, is our intrinsic state, and maintaining it requires a concerted focus on the foundational elements of life. This includes prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods, ensuring consistent physical activity, fostering clean environments free from harmful pollutants, and diligently mitigating chronic stress through mindful practices and balanced living. By embedding these principles into our daily lives, we can significantly reduce our reliance on the downstream interventions of conventional medicine.

It’s perplexing to observe the extent to which our system often grapples with the cascading effects of polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions, sometimes inadvertently worsening the very conditions it seeks to alleviate. Instead of merely managing illness, our collective endeavor should be directed towards identifying and neutralizing its root causes. Far too much research funding and clinical effort are dedicated to developing treatments for established diseases, when a more logical and impactful strategy would be to understand the genesis of these conditions and implement preventative measures.

Consider, for instance, substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Their causal links to severe health complications are unequivocally established. Yet, despite this irrefutable evidence, their widespread availability and societal integration persist. This highlights a critical disconnect. We readily address the consequences while often sidestepping the uncomfortable truths about primary drivers of poor health. Shifting our focus to prevention isn’t merely an ideal; it’s an economic imperative and a moral obligation to foster a healthier, more vibrant society.  Understanding nature is the key. Then, we should adopt an Earth ethic of striving for natural Earth, natural healthy living, and natural spirituality. It would also help to have a foundation of loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, and genuine kindness, striving to bring about comfort, joy, love, hope, and sustainable striving happiness.

There is no alternative to reactionary medicine when you get injured or violently ill from natural causes or anthropogenic causes. I am amazed at the miraculous treatments and interventions in reactionary medicine these days.

The law needs to transition to holistic prescriptive advice and holistic analytical arbitration

I want to share a problem I have been considering for a long period of time.  How much do people inherently know about law, policy, regulations, policies, and procedures?  There’s just way too much for people to absorb and actually know.   As a society, I believe we’re fooling ourselves into thinking that we have a just and equitable society.   It is only those who unnaturally know all of this material or how to find the law when needed who can advance themselves in society.    How much do actual lawyers even know?   As far as I know, the way it works is that you have to know how to look for the law in every situation that you encounter. That’s why we have Legal research.   Therefore, we are holding people accountable for laws, policies, procedures, and regulations they don’t even know about.   Sometimes lawyers don’t even know.   I think it’s really strange. This phenomenon creates considerable environmental injustice and societal suffering for those who are unaware and don’t know how to conduct legal research.   In contrast, I believe we all ought to have a foundation of loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, and genuine, kind striving, so we can bring about conditions of comfort, joy, love, hope, equity, unity, faith, and sustainable, striving happiness.   If we all remember this foundation, do we need the law?  Instead, I recommend more analytical, holistic, prescriptive advice and holistic analytical arbitration when we need to engage in problem-solving. Moreover, we need to be more natural earth striving, natural humanity striving, natural spirituality striving, and natural healthy living striving.

I’ve been reflecting deeply on the immense and ever-growing complexity of our legal, policy, and regulatory landscapes. It appears to me that the sheer volume of these frameworks far exceeds the capacity for any individual to comprehend, let alone master, inherently. It is irrational.

This reality compels me to question the very foundations of what we deem a ‘just’ and ‘equitable’ society. We often operate under the implicit assumption that people are universally aware of the intricate rules governing their lives. Yet, for the vast majority, such comprehensive knowledge is simply unattainable. Consequently, advancement and success often become disproportionately accessible to those who possess the specialized skills or resources to navigate this labyrinthine system, inadvertently creating an uneven playing field.

Indeed, even within the legal profession, expertise often lies not in memorizing every statute or precedent, but in the highly specialized skill of legal research – the ability to locate, interpret, and apply relevant laws as specific situations demand. This highlights a profound paradox: we hold individuals accountable to an expansive body of law that even its most dedicated practitioners rely on constant investigation to ascertain. This systemic oversight invariably leads to significant environmental injustices and widespread societal suffering, particularly for those without access to legal guidance or the means to conduct intricate research.

In contrast to this overly complex and often inaccessible paradigm, I advocate for a societal foundation built upon more universal and intuitive principles: genuine love, compassionate care, generous sharing, empathetic giving, sincere forgiveness, and continuous, kind-hearted striving. Imagine a framework where these core human values serve as the guiding light for our collective interactions and societal structures.

I firmly believe that anchoring our collective consciousness in these fundamental virtues would naturally foster conditions of profound comfort, authentic joy, enduring love, unwavering hope, true equity, harmonious unity, steadfast faith, and sustainable, meaningful happiness. When our policies and procedures (when needed) emerge from such a deeply humane and common-sense ethical framework, rather than an abstract and disconnected legal one, they are far more likely to resonate with the lived experiences and inherent moral compass of all individuals. Moving from imposed rules to shared ethical principles is essential for a just, equitable, unified, and compassionate society.   Furthermore, when we combine a natural, striving earth ethic, it helps us understand what we need to do.

I think lawyers would be much happier dealing with holistic, prescription advice, and analytical problem-solving associated with arbitration when conflict in society occurs.   

Food prices/necessary commodities and environmental injustice

The interconnected challenges of environmental injustice and escalating food prices demand our urgent and undivided attention. It is a stark reality that nourishing, wholesome foods frequently command a higher price, while less healthy, often ultra-processed options remain economically accessible. This systemic disparity is not merely an economic inconvenience; it is a profound societal flaw that disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, exacerbating health crises marked by rising rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This is where environmental injustice intersects with food access, creating environments where healthy options are both scarce and prohibitively expensive.

Years ago, I advocated for a paradigm shift to rebalance food costs fundamentally. The core concept was that healthier, sustainably produced food should be more affordable, with the cost difference borne by what I termed “ecological equilibrium compensation.” This idea underscores the necessity of an economic framework that fully internalizes the true environmental and health costs associated with food production. It calls for a system that actively incentivizes sustainable agriculture and organic foods, and makes nutritious, planet-friendly choices genuinely accessible to everyone, rather than a luxury.

Such a reorientation of our food system would unequivocally prioritize human well-being and ecological sustainability over short-term corporate profits. It’s about recognizing healthy food as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health, not merely a commodity to be exploited. This means actively pursuing policies that redirect subsidies from unhealthy, environmentally damaging practices towards regenerative agriculture, local food systems, and initiatives that ensure fresh produce is available in all communities.

Beyond these foundational shifts, practical steps are vital. Expanding the availability and affordability of organic and locally sourced produce in all grocery stores, from bustling urban centers to underserved rural communities, is paramount. Simultaneously, integrating healthier, sustainably sourced meal options into restaurant menus and institutional food services would further normalize and promote beneficial dietary choices.

Addressing these deeply intertwined issues requires collective will, innovative solutions, and a commitment to systemic change. By dismantling the economic barriers to healthy eating and fostering a food system that champions both human and planetary health, we can lay the groundwork for a more equitable, resilient, and flourishing future for all. Only then can we prioritize the natural environment, human health, and well-being

Playing God manufactures pollution

Playing God manufactures anthropocentric and anthropogenic pollution in our human systems, natural systems, and on our planet.   The more we deviate from the harmony in nature and humanity, the more we create a feedback loop of pollution—excess laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures. Create more of the same in a downward-spiral feedback-loop sort of way, increasing the complexity of society.  This complexity of society is from playing God and prioritizing the reactionary reductionist process over people and the natural environment.

Our collective trajectory often reveals a profound human tendency to over-complexity and exert ultimate control over the foundational systems that govern both our societies and the natural world. This ambition, when unrestrained, frequently manifests in pervasive forms of systemic ‘pollution’—extending far beyond environmental degradation to impact the very fabric of our human structures, the intrinsic balance of natural ecosystems, and indeed, the health of our planet as a whole.

When we deviate from the resilient and sometimes delicate equilibrium balance and inherent harmonies that underpin both nature and human enterprise, we invariably initiate detrimental feedback loops. These cycles are not merely isolated incidents but self-perpetuating processes that exacerbate the very imbalances from which they originated. We see this dynamic in the relentless proliferation of intricate legislative frameworks, excessive regulations, and myriad policies and procedures. While often conceived with the best intentions, their sheer volume and frequently labyrinthine nature tend to increase the complexity of societal operation exponentially. Consequently, this results in the means justifying the ends.

Examples of planetary pollution include dumping battery acid in our oceans, climate change, dumping chemicals on our roads at night, the existence of radioactive plutonium,  destruction of our coral reefs and our oceans, overfishing, destructive wildfires,  Deforestation of the tropics, acidification of the oceans and rain, Excessive CO2, overconsumption, water depletion, food insecurity, natural resources depletion, too much industrialization, plastic pollution, too much waste, overuse of pesticides and chemicals, air pollution, water pollution, crime, violence, terrorism, homelessness, and traditional pollution. Playing God manufactures anthropocentric and anthropogenic pollution in our human systems, natural systems, and on our planet.   The more we deviate from the harmony in nature and humanity, the more we create a feedback loop of pollution—excess laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures. Create more of the same in a downward-spiral feedback loop, increasing the complexity of society.  This complexity of society stems from playing God, as it generates and multiplies excess laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, biodiversity loss, and other social and planetary ills.  This leads to prioritizing processes and procedures over God’s love, people, communities, and the natural environment, which is what it is supposed to be about in the first place. 

This burgeoning complexity, rather than fostering clarity or efficiency, often leads to rigidity, diminishing adaptability, and creating a downward spiral of inefficiency, pollution, and systemic burden. This intricate web of human-made constructs ultimately reflects a profound consequence of our persistent endeavor to orchestrate every facet of existence, rather than integrating with its natural rhythms and inherent limits.  Consequently, it creates more pollution in our world than it prevents.   Let divine nature, God, and humanity be our guide towards the future while we simplify towards natural harmony with everything, everyone, everywhere on Earth.   

Playing God

Hello everyone, 

I’ve been mulling over something recently that I think about quite a bit – our relationship with nature, God, and humanity, and how we sometimes get it a bit twisted. It feels like whenever we, as humans, try to completely take the reins and “manage” every aspect of the natural and human-centered world, we often end up disrupting its delicate balance. It’s almost like we forget that nature has its own intricate systems and a rhythm that’s been perfected over millennia, and when we try to force our own agenda on it, things can go a bit sideways. It also reminds me that people and natural systems are not realistically prioritized over process, laws, rules, regulations, policy, and procedure, leading to a misappropriation of energy toward procedural considerations rather than actual, holistically impactful results. Does the means justify the ends in this case?

This really gets me thinking about how we, with our human-centric viewpoint, often create more problems than we solve, sometimes adding to the planet’s woes with unintended consequences.

It reminds me of a fascinating book I read in college, called “Playing God in Yellowstone.” What made it so captivating was how it delved into the extensive efforts and resources people poured into controlling and maintaining the Yellowstone forest. They had all these policies and management strategies in place, trying to dictate the ecosystem’s condition, but particular species of wildlife suffered. The irony was that all that ‘management’ seemed to overshadow the fundamental truth that, in the end, nature calls the shots. And, as fate would have it, not long after the book was published, the park endured a devastating wildfire that consumed a large portion of it. It was a stark and powerful reminder that sometimes, despite our best intentions, nature has its own way of asserting control and resetting ecological succession.

This is a reminder that balancing nature and humanity should be our context, and we need to work with nature, God, and society rather than playing God.  We are a part of Nature and God, not separate entities.  Consequently, we should be stewards and stakeholders of our natural environment and of humanity, rather than playing God.

Just wanted to share that thought with you!  

Best,

Richard Thomas Simmons

Sharing some thoughts about mechanics

Hello Everyone, 

I’ve been thinking about something interesting lately regarding how things work at car dealerships. You know how sometimes it feels like the mechanics, who are incredibly skilled and smart, often seem to be in a more behind-the-scenes role, compared to, say, the service writers or other staff who are more front-facing or closer proximity to the money.  

It’s always struck me as a bit curious, especially when you really consider the sheer depth of knowledge these technicians possess. Modern cars are like complex puzzles, and they’re constantly diagnosing intricate issues, mastering advanced systems, and keeping up with all the cutting-edge technology. It’s way more than just turning wrenches; it’s sophisticated problem-solving and a profound understanding of mechanics and electronics.

Honestly, when you think about the level of technical expertise and diagnostic brainpower they bring to the table, sometimes I feel like they’re practically ‘associate’s degree mechanical engineers’ or more in practice! They’re essentially car doctors and engineers all rolled into one. Just a thought I wanted to share!

Best,

Richard Thomas Simmons

Criminality

Criminality is a problem that can be solved in a holistic, preventive way.  Criminals are often people who needed help long ago but did not get it.   We need to do a better job and identify those people at risk at the earliest stage of their lives.  We need to do a better job of caring for one another at every stage of people’s lives, as people and the environment should be prioritized over process.

The complex challenge of criminality, though deeply entrenched, is fundamentally a societal issue that offers significant scope for proactive, preventative resolution. It is a reality that many individuals who ultimately engage in criminal conduct are those whose foundational needs for support, guidance, and opportunity were tragically overlooked during their formative years. Their pathways to unlawful behavior frequently stem from a persistent lack of crucial early interventions. I learned in school that another source of crime is that it pays, so people’s increased economic hardship contributes to the manufacture of crime.

Our collective responsibility demands a more vigilant and compassionate societal framework. We must prioritize establishing robust systems, including the We Me integrated device, capable of identifying individuals at the earliest possible stages of their lives who are vulnerable to such negative trajectories. This entails providing immediate inclusion and sustained access to comprehensive resources, including quality education, mental health services, stable living environments, and constructive mentorship.

Beyond initial intervention, cultivating a truly resilient and just society necessitates fostering a pervasive culture of mutual care and genuine human connection. This means actively engaging with and uplifting one another throughout all stages of life, ensuring that no individual is left to languish due to neglect or lack of opportunity. By investing profoundly in proactive prevention and nurturing a community-wide commitment to holistic well-being, we can systematically address the underlying causes of crime and construct a safer, more equitable future for everyone.

We need a Loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, and genuinely kind striving Planet to bring our conditions of comfort, joy, hope, unity, equity, faith, and sustainable striving happiness.   This concept should serve as a unified foundation for similarity for everyone on Earth. When we prioritize these foundational principles, people are prioritized again.

Richard Thomas Simmons