It is nice to see some sanity finally emerging in the rhetoric and public posturing of major players in the energy industry, away from alarmism and grandstanding. Pundits in the energy business are now pointing out that companies are shifting to “playing the long game” in their energy strategies. They have been stung by greenwashing, where they tried to pretend they were doing more than they actually were. They have shifted their focus to long-term goals and strategies rather than immediate or short-term gains, prioritizing sustainable success over quick wins.
Here’s a more detailed explanation of shifting to the long game: It involves thinking ahead and making decisions that will benefit you in the future, even if it means sacrificing short-term gains. It’s about building a strong foundation for future success through consistent effort and strategic planning. It requires patience and persistence because the rewards of playing the long game may not be immediate.
If you study the literature on the long game, you will see a repeated emphasis on education and building relationships. The implication is that perhaps we really don’t know all we should or even must know to reflect on a balanced perspective … humbly admitting we don’t know what we don’t know.
Ah … humility … an essential ingredient in the long game … and perhaps the key attribute that must be present to execute the long game well. And relationships … especially with those who possibly even hate you right now and are out to get you. So, instead of doubling down and thinking that destroying them is the ultimate win, perhaps there is room for what all major religions of the world point to as the answer: to love one another.
Our egos, the opposite of humility, point to power and revenge as rightful answers to what we perceive is wrong with the world. We want to control the uncontrollable rather than learn to live with natural constraints and sustainability in the world. We are on an extractive mad dash to rape the planet thinking the long game is solar and wind plus an EV in every garage. What lunacy!
Let’s all move to the middle where we once again question everything and rethink everything that truly matters. Our politicians and media are not doing us any favors when they incite anything contrary to humility in and love for one another.
Micah 6:8 sums it up nicely: What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.