The Oil Drum

For better or for worse, I happen to be 20, in college, and also somewhat obsessive in my consumption of information (loosely focused by the subjects, "energy, society and the environment").

But first, two mistakes I noticed  thus far. First, the comment about the the Alpha Male looking for wives is disgusting, sexist and completely unproductive. Second, the post I'm replying to suggests the author of this letter is a child of 17, when the letter clearly states the young woman is 24. 17 or 24 condescension is rarely appreciated (on the other hand, I recognize the wisdom elders hold, and do my best to listen well).

As for "advice," I'll tell you what I've done in the past year and a half in the hopes that you can avoid doing anything equally stupid.

1. I read a copious amount of information. If you really really feel the need to try and know everything, and think you'll enjoy it, I won't try and stop you. I am certainly far more educated than if I had let my "energy, society and the environment" education rest at EOS or even The Party's Over, but it can take a toll, and if you think you will actually be able to control the future by attempting to know "everything" you may find yourself disappointed.

2. I rode my bike (almost) everywhere, started buying locally (and from farmers directly) and organically and tried to reduce extraneous consumption. I feel more alive, generally, and think I'll be better prepared (psychologically) for harder times, whenever they come.

3. I have a girlfriend, who has probably kept me from going crazy trying to know everything as well as provided some grounding in terms of living life (she's a creative writing/art history major, an excellent juxtaposition).

4. I've begun some activism related to peak oil (and more importantly global warming) at college and am working with others to do more. It is time consuming, frustrating and slow going, but I enjoy it generally and even when I don't I feel duty-bound enough to keep working.

These rough points would suggest that it is best to live in the moment and not get too caught up in the future. Activism can be draining without some larger context into which it fits in one's life (and even then it is a lot of work). I'm working on developing skills, and am going into Biology. Though I don't grow my own food now, I think I may go into the agricultural sciences. Be that as it may, I think there are plenty of viable career options post peak. Adaptation, the new slogan of the Bush Administration/Climate deniers, is a horrible solution to climate change. However, for peak oil, and especially for those who are privileged (one way or another), it is a fact of life. My demand, baring the worst case scenario of the notorious alpha male (Matt Savinar), is probably unlikely to be destroyed outright, curtailed though it may be.

I'm still a completely confused budding twenty-something. I really like being alive (in all its senses), and feel somewhat compelled to do something for the future generations--although not to the point of sacrificing myself in the process overmuch.

I hope that was of some help, and if you want to continue this conversation I can be reached at david doot huck at oberlin dott edu

-David