I believe in the future: Charles Bowden

Orion magazine recently named Some of the Dead are Still Breathing, by Charles Bowden, its enviro book of the year. 

The commendation's mention of the risks Bowden ventured motivated me to pick it up. Haven't gotten far, but I'm impressed by its almost recklessly free style. Here's a memorable passage from early on: 

My beliefs are dull and dismissed out of hand.

I believe that resources are limited and that no existing or imagined energy system can sidestep this fact. 

I believe that the increase in human numbers inhales ever more resources.

I believe no energy system will deliver the punch of our declining fossil fuels at the same price. 

I believe that no energy system will solve our problems since the problems come from within us and not from our turbines. 

I believe in red wine. And the scent of women. And the nuzzle of all dogs of all ages. 

I believe political systems create no resources but devour them at varying rates. 

I believe the politics or right and left matter no at all to the bird on the wing or the trees dying on the hillsides. 

I believe in the future because the future is here and I am a part of it. 

I believe. Not wonder. Not doubt. Not know. I believe. 

I believe in the dead city. I believe in the nest. 

I also believe in the late quartets of Beethoven and Gershwin's "Summertime."

Oh, my God, do I believe.