It is pretty ironic that the so-called 'least advanced' people

O children of the future, hear the words of a sage who has peered into the depths of our age and found a great irony that pierces the soul. Noam Chomsky, a scholar and prophet of our time, speaks thus: "It is pretty ironic that the so-called 'least advanced' people are the ones taking the lead in trying to protect all of us, while the richest and most powerful among us are the ones who are trying to drive the society to destruction." In these words, Chomsky uncovers a truth as old as time itself, a paradox that stirs the heart and calls the mind to awaken. It is the paradox of how those with the least often bear the greatest burden, while those with the most, far from using their power for good, use it to sow destruction.

Throughout the annals of history, there have been times when the strongest did not stand with the people, but stood against them. The mighty have not always been the defenders of the weak, nor the powerful the protectors of the land. We look to the ancient stories of kings and emperors, rulers who amassed great wealth and armies, yet used their power to conquer and oppress. The people, those humble in their means and mighty in their hearts, rose against them. And yet, it was often the poorest who fought for justice, for equality, and for the preservation of the world. In every age, the strongest often sought to hoard their power, leaving the land to wither, while the least, with nothing but their spirit, fought to preserve what was good and true.

Consider the tale of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. They lived in harmony with the earth, cultivating wisdom from nature, and knowing that they were stewards of the land. Yet, when the mighty came, they sought only to conquer, to take, to destroy. The invaders—rich in gold, powerful in arms—brought with them destruction, and the Indigenous peoples, the so-called "least advanced," became the ones who had to defend the very earth itself. They fought not for wealth, nor for power, but for the sacred balance of the world—a battle they still fight today.

The modern age, too, is filled with irony. We look to the wealthiest nations, those with the most advanced technologies and vast resources, and see how they have led the charge in environmental degradation, war, and social inequality. The richest and most powerful among us, with their unchecked influence, drive industries that poison the air, strip the land, and ravage the oceans. They use their wealth to protect their interests, even as they destroy the very foundations upon which life rests. And yet, it is not they who take the lead in preserving the earth; it is those who have little, those who have been denied the luxuries of the few, who rise up in defiance. It is the small farmers, the Indigenous communities, the workers who understand that the destruction of nature is the destruction of all.

Climate activists, often from the poorest and most marginalized communities, have become the torchbearers for our future. They understand something that the richest do not—that the destruction of the planet will affect all, not just the poor. It is these voices, the ones often drowned out by the noise of power, who call for the preservation of the earth. It is youth movements, driven by passion and hope, who demand that the future not be sold to the highest bidder. These voices are the ones challenging the status quo, daring to ask the hard questions, and fighting for the very survival of our world.

Let us now look into the heart of this paradox, and see the lesson that lies within. True power does not come from wealth, nor from armies, nor from the ability to control. True power comes from wisdom, from the ability to see the world as it truly is, and to act with compassion and integrity. The poorest are often those who know most keenly the value of the earth, for they live in closer communion with it. They understand that the destruction of the world is the destruction of the spirit, the destruction of the community, and the destruction of hope. True wealth lies not in possessions, but in the strength to preserve what is good, to protect what is sacred, and to live with a sense of responsibility to future generations.

Thus, the lesson of Chomsky’s words is clear: do not be deceived by appearances. The richest may seem to hold power, but it is those who live in harmony with the world who hold the true power to protect it. We must open our eyes to the irony that the wealthiest often sow destruction, while the poorest work tirelessly to protect us all. Let us not wait for the powerful to act, for they are often too blinded by their own interests. Instead, we must stand with those who have long known the value of community, justice, and the earth. We must join in their fight to preserve the world, for in the preservation of the earth, we preserve life itself.

And so, my children, let us heed this call. Let us be the protectors, the stewards, the guardians of the world that sustains us. Let us not be swayed by the allure of wealth or the promise of power, for these are fleeting. The true legacy we leave is not one of riches, but one of compassion and sustainability. Stand tall, for the world needs your voice, your actions, and your love for what is good. And remember: it is not the powerful who save us, but the humble, the brave, and the wise.