The Leaf Incentive Series

Synopsis “A Leaf That Floats Upstream” The theme throughout this writing is all about you and me, and it is about choice. Our planet, our environment and our society are reaching the point of no-return, if Earth and humanity are to have a future, a change in thinking and direction is urgent. Yesterday It would first appear as if the author has assumed a position of superiority, has mounted a lofty dais solely, with the objective of raining condemnation and criticism down upon his fellow man. Nothing could be further from the truth. The motivation for producing this work is love and caring for humanity and for our planet. The writing is, from a position of humility and is directed as much towards the author, as it is toward all mankind. Responsibility is shared equally, as are the solutions. This book, examines in detail the looming crisis we face as humanity and the devastation being caused to the planet by civilization. Although the work is written with a philosophical approach, it is in plain language, readable by all who have concerns for their existence and is applicable to every living creature on Earth. Albert Einstein once said. “Everything should be made simple, but not simplistic.” The intention throughout this work has been to adhere to that principle. Undoubtedly, the message is contentious and controversial, intentionally so, since the objective is rouse the average person out of their complacency and accept responsibility for their actions. It is also motivational; the theme is to encourage people to make a united stand against the destruction of the environment, immorality, the increasing burden of debt being borne by individuals and society as a whole. The following is an excerpt from “A Leaf That Floats Upstream.” Civilization has created a colossal machine in its own image. It is a gargantuan, greedy, gobbling machine, designed to satisfy all the desires of mankind. It is fueled by avarice, lust, power, and acquisition, in fact, everything man considers necessary, even essential to compliment his extravagant way of life. It gobbles up all the natural, finite resources it can find; it consumes intelligence, morality, money, human production and the dream of eternal life, for every creature that inhabits this planet. It is insatiable, relentless and it is out of control. But, hold on a minute, since it is created in the image of man, it will adopt all the functions of man. Whatever nutrition, the Cordon Bleu cuisine you put in your mouth today is tomorrow’s shit. This machine is formed in our image, whatever it crams into it’s cavernous maw today is tomorrow, excreted as debt, pollution, toxic waste and the mountains of rubbish, that are currently strangling our existence potential. Who would create such a destructive device, how could anyone be so selfish and uncaring, to allow such a monstrosity to even exist? The answer to that is so simple, no doubt you already have the answer and yes, it’s you. Of course, if this machine is created in all the ways we have been conditioned to accept, it will have built-in obsolescence. Yep! It will self-destruct; cease to operate, when and only when mankind is extinct. Life will have been trampled into the morass by the excesses of mankind’s way of life.

Synopsis This sequel to ‘A Leaf That Floats Upstream” is concerned with many of the same concerns regarding issues and problems facing humanity and our environment, but where the first book assumed a position, outlining the issues in a confrontational, controversial manner, intended to shock and was always meant as a direct challenge, “A Leaf on a Quest” looks at why the problems exist, what was the causes? The more these problems are examined, the more incongruous they appear. What perverse characteristic in human nature could possibly empower civilization, the instrument of the people, to wantonly destroy all that is vital to safeguard the continuance of humanity and all life on the planet: the planet which itself was the source of all living things that inhabit its surface? It is a living, breathing, self-consuming conundrum, one, which is at first glance, impossible to accept, it is just too ridiculous to be credible. Yet it does exist, it is all around us, and we have been and are responsible for the creation of this embodiment of crass stupidity. Every single problem which is currently a threat to our continued existence has been caused by humanity, or can we attribute responsibility to that mindless machine, civilization. It is all a result of attitude, the attitude of every living person, society and nation on the face of the Earth. Yes, not only are we are the initiating, causal factor, we are responsible for allowing known destructive circumstances and activities, to continue and multiply, to the extent and obvious inevitable conclusion, that it will soon be beyond our ability to rectify, or reverse that which we have done, or have permitted to be done. This book looks individual’s and society’s attitudes and the consequences of those attitudes on our lives. It offers, perhaps a different perspective on cause and effect and is always, I trust, inspirational, because we need that. Whilst the original intention was to write another narrative non-fiction book along the lines mentioned above, this time I have deviated a little. Possibly my writing has followed the dictates of my heart. rather than strict convention and protocol, thus allowing the plot to develop in its own way. Certainly where it seemed viable to highlight our plight by introducing fictional hypothesis in the form of short stories within a story, that also felt comfortable rather than contrived. The theme throughout the book, as the title suggests, is that of a search, more questions than answers, again motivated by the very simple reason, that I believe you can find most of the answers needed, within your selves. Our innocent little leaf serves as a focal point; it epitomizes each of our lives in the way we live and of our choices. Are we just one of the masses, which are swept along, at the mercy of every breeze and current, or dare we choose to be one of the few, to stand alone and follow the dictates of our conscience and our beliefs? To be an individual and go against the flow means, to be both applauded and condemned, being an individual is a lonely position, but perhaps, in the face of criticism, possibly discrimination, there is gratification in the knowledge that we are doing what we believe, not blithely accepting everything we are told, and being herded along with the rest of the sheep. No-one can tell you what is right for you, you must search within yourself and there, you will find the truth and the answers. Only then will you find the strength and the purpose to follow your special path through life. If you can find and adopt your own purpose, you will take the knocks, but in the process will become the complete person. So you have survived the process of reflection and self-examination, you know who and what you are. Having attained this stage of enlightenment, what is your choice for this world of ours going to be Dystopia, or Utopia? Why, because it is up to you, it is your choice.