The birds got to sing and dance. The moose had to grow a huge unwieldy rack and bash heads with it. Maybe once, back in the evolutionary mists, a less elaborate version of that strategy had made some sense. But now he would rather be a bird.

Meanwhile in the realm of humans, mighty nations and comfortable individuals stand on small rises, wishing for bigger antlers. 

They imagine themselves to be the crowning achievements of evolution. And yet no level of magnificence seems to be enough. They are convinced that status depends on becoming ever richer and more powerful, controlling and exploiting more resources, possessing more impressive and intimidating equipment. 

Maybe once, back in the cultural mists, a less elaborate version of that strategy had made some sense. But now it’s mostly disagreeable, inefficient, unfair and incompatible with life on a planet that has declining tolerance for expanding demands.

This is an excerpt from A\J's Fashion issue

To read the full column, order the Fasion issue to subscribe today.
 

Order the Fashion Issue  Subscribe