Everyday we are reminded of the perilous situation faced by the planet Earth and its inhabitants. 

Overpopulation is a grave problem.

THE WORLD is facing a series of interlinked crises which threatens billions of people and could cause the collapse of civilisation.

Climate pollution, food shortages, diseases, wars, disasters, crime and the recession are all conspiring to ravage the globe and threaten the future of humanity.

Democracy, human rights and press freedom are also suffering.

The greatest challenge is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution.

What's a boy to do?  You could put another quarter in the juke box and keep on dancing or apply the modern solution of play a video game wherein you live a perfect life as an avatar of your own design in a made up world.  Make the world with all its varied problems vanish for a few happy moments.

Denial of one's fragile existence is nothing new.  Men have long sought to avoid the stark awareness of our mortal situation by inventing Gods and other Saviors to calm our trembling fear.  Myth has lighted our ways since the beginning of time.  Star Wars was modern mythology that took ideas from the works of Joseph Campbell, a leading interpreter of mythology.  His book, "The Hero With a Thousand Faces" influenced the writer George Lucas to create his epic movie.

Nihilism is a no solution to human problems so we need to manufacture hope when things are darkest.  Hope keeps people striving to improve their situation.