"Like peeing against the wind" by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas, 100 x 80 cm xx

Homo-sapiens-non-urinat-in-ventum.

If we learn to see things as they are and not as we would like them to be, we avoid many frustrations. If we do not confuse our hopes with our perceptions, the glass house of our values will remain lustrous. When we take action without the right approach, the results may be very harmful and the consequences counterproductive. The outcome becomes destructive when action is guided by passion, not by reason and insight.

One may think it is sufficient to extinguish the fire with some water when a sizzling, red-hot situation arises.

If the authorities cannot fulfill their mission, we should expect vigilant and mindful whistle-blowers interventions to come into force.

Competent authorities with proficient experts should be in place to foresee possible complications and anticipate resolutions.

Before starting thoughtless or reckless acts, we must build a well-prepared schedule and develop a keen strategy to avoid energy and wasting time.

Lack of vision or bad judgment means that problems will not be solved when the issue is structural or systemic. Fire brigades, some water, or a little pee, will not clear calamities.

Through neglect, lack of farsightedness, or forewarning, “the glass house of our values will become opaque “and, in the end, burn down.

The wildfire of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, in May 2016, which destroyed more than 2400 homes and buildings, becoming the costliest disaster in Canadian history, is a catastrophic practical example. Of the same order was the toxic tire dump fire at Sesena, Madrid (Spain), which forced a mass evacuation and testified lack of responsibility and foresight.

Phenomenon: Thoughtless conduct, anticipation

Factual starting point of the picture: Man peeing against wind