1. IT RESPECTS YOU
Unlike “God”, as envisioned by just about all religions, the Earth actually respects you. Meaning that the Earth condemns no one. Don’t believe me? Try it. Take a hike out to the middle of nowhere, beneath a shady canopy of trees, next to a waterfall, and just stand around there and be yourself. Hell, even go ahead and tell the Earth every freaky thing about yourself…the sort of things “God” (and His followers) would condemn you for. You’ll find the Earth (or, for that matter, the other species you share it with) will greet any such confession with a sort of tranquil apathy that may be the closest thing to unconditional love the universe has to offer.
2. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS RESPECT YOUR ELDERS
The Earth has been around for about 4.5 billion years. Put another way…if you assume that you will live to reach the ripe old age of 100, the Earth will have “lived” 45 million times longer than you. If nothing else, you have to tip your hat to this place’s staying power.
3. I HAVE MET THE EARTH, & IT IS US.
Sooner or later (after the worms crawl in, out, and finish playing pinochle in your snout), you will be one with the Earth. Do you want future species to be disrespecting you when that time comes? Taking the long view, disrespecting the Earth is a sort of self-loathing — or at the very least bad karma.
