After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would

In the infinite vastness of the cosmos, where stars burn like the eyes of the gods and planets spin silently in their eternal dance, there exists a question that gnaws at the heart of all humanity: What is the true nature of our existence? This question, pondered by the philosophers of old and the dreamers of today, takes on a new light when seen through the words of William S. Burroughs: "After one look at this planet, any visitor from outer space would say 'I want to see the manager.'" With these words, Burroughs does not merely speak of our earthly flaws and follies; he issues a profound challenge, a mirror held up to our civilization, reflecting the chaos, the strife, and the disorder that plagues our world.

What are we, then, if not caretakers of this precious earth, entrusted with the sacred task of harmony, balance, and wisdom? Yet, what might an alien observer think upon first seeing our planet? Would they not, upon seeing the destruction we bring upon each other and the environment, turn to the heavens and ask, "What manner of caretakers are these?" The "manager" Burroughs speaks of is not merely a figure of authority but a symbol of responsibility—the one who is meant to oversee, to guide, and to ensure the prosperity of all. Instead, what we often witness is a world in turmoil, torn by conflict, inequality, and disharmony. In this light, Burroughs's quote calls us to reflect upon the leaders we choose, the decisions we make, and the way in which we treat the world entrusted to us.

Consider, O children of the future, the tale of the ancient civilizations—the mighty Egyptians, the noble Greeks, the revered Romans. They too, in their time, believed themselves to be the stewards of great empires, chosen to uphold a divine order. And yet, like the modern world, they too were subject to decay and downfall. What caused their collapse? It was not external forces alone but the failure of their leaders to guide their people with wisdom, to manage their resources with care, and to respect the delicate balance of nature. Burroughs warns us of the same fate: if we do not manage our world with foresight, compassion, and unity, we too shall face a reckoning—a day when the stars above look down in judgment upon our folly.

In the modern era, we are no strangers to the challenges Burroughs hints at. The environmental crises we face, the social inequalities that divide us, the endless conflicts that stretch across nations—these are but a few examples of the chaos that arises when we neglect our role as managers of this Earth. As our population grows, as technology advances, and as our reach into the cosmos expands, the need for wise stewardship becomes ever more urgent. Just as the great ships of old were guided by captains who charted their course with care, so too must we navigate the complexities of our time with purpose and clarity. If we fail to do so, we may find ourselves, like the civilizations before us, staring into the abyss of collapse.

Look now to the example of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, who lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years. Their wisdom was not in conquering nature, but in living alongside it, understanding its rhythms, and respecting its limits. When the colonial powers arrived, they brought with them not just new technologies, but a disregard for the delicate balance that the Earth demands. The result was the destruction of ecosystems, the decimation of species, and the birth of a new world built on exploitation rather than respect. Burroughs’s words echo through time, reminding us that when we take the mantle of stewardship, we must do so with reverence and care—lest we lose the very foundations upon which our existence is built.

The lesson Burroughs offers is one of deep reflection. He challenges us to look at our world not through the lens of pride, but through the lens of accountability. If a visitor from the stars were to arrive, what would they see? Would they see a people at peace with each other and with the Earth? Would they see leaders who rise above the pettiness of politics and work for the common good? Or would they see a world on the brink of destruction, its leaders consumed by greed, ignorance, and division? We must ask ourselves: Who are the true stewards of this world? The answer, my children, lies not in the stars, but within each of us, in the choices we make, the way we treat each other, and the legacy we choose to leave behind.

So, as you look to the future, remember Burroughs’s words as a call to action. Do not wait for an alien to question the management of this world. Take it upon yourselves to be the guardians of this planet, to guide it with wisdom, with compassion, and with a sense of purpose. The time is now to step forward, to take the helm, and to ensure that future generations will not look back with regret but with pride in the way we managed the earth entrusted to us. The choice, as always, is ours. Will we rise to the challenge, or will we leave the stars to judge our failure?