Eric P. Metze

Look closer.

I’m putting together a collection of Gaian music, and I need everyone’s help. What do I mean by Gaian? Well, anything that is positive or uplifting with an emphasis on taking care of the world or your fellow humans. I’m trying very hard to avoid cheesy music because I want it to be genuinely uplifting without grating on my nerves.

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

• “Within You Without You” by the Beatles
• “The Warmth” by Incubus
• “Make You Feel That Way” by Blackalicious
• “Float On” by Modest Mouse
• “A Dream” by Common
• “Bowl of Oranges” by Bright Eyes
• “The Heart of Life” by John Mayer
• “I Know I’m Not Alone” by Michael Franti & Spearhead
• “Meant to Live” by Switchfoot
• “Hold Me Now” by Polyphonic Spree
• “I Can Walk on Water” by Basshunter
• “One” by U2
• “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
• “I Believe” by Joe Satriani
• “Rooftops” by Lostprophets
• “If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback
• “Earth Heals Herself” by Buckethead

You may see this list and think it has some glaring omissions. There are only a few hip-hop songs, there are zero country songs, and most of them are rock(ish) tunes from the past ten years. Please help me fix that. I don’t want to focus on one particular genre. There is so much good music out there and I know I’m either ignorant of it or it’s just slipping my mind.

Q: What book motivates or influences you most in life?

A: “Cosmos” by Carl Sagan was more influential to me than any book I’ve ever read. It reawakened the spirituality inside me, opened my eyes to the wonders of science, gave me a sense of self, helped me appreciate all life on Earth, and laid the foundation for the human being I have become. It is one of the greatest books ever written and should be read (or viewed) by everyone on the planet.

Q: What does your worldview say about cooperation & conflict, if anything?

A: I am Gaian. I believe that everyone is intimately related, which is why we are so contentious at times. I believe we are connected to the Earth, and our actions directly affect our environment. I believe that cooperation supersedes conflict. I believe in all religions as long as they create no conflict. I believe the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, but I do not believe this rationale should be used to discriminate. I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to help others. I also believe it is possible for us to cooperate even in the face of extremism and division, and that we absolutely must learn to do so before it destroys us all.

Q: Should public display of hate be illegal?

A: Not only should it be legal, it should be highly publicized and ridiculed. Someone once asked Jerry Springer why he, a Jew, would give KKK members a platform to spread their hate to a national audience. His response was sublime. He said that it is our obligation as a free society to allow anyone to speak their hate, but it is our duty to make sure everyone recognizes it for what it is. If we don’t refute something because we’re too busy burying it, then the “truth” becomes whatever they want it to be.

Trust me: you will love this video.