Chapter 1: The Overlooked Beauty

In our fast-paced lives, we often neglect the simple beauties surrounding us. Take, for example, the roses at the end of my garden. These flowers have thrived there for over twenty-five years, yet their splendor has gone largely unnoticed.

"My guess is they don’t mind," my wife remarked when I expressed my concern about their lack of attention. "Maybe they prefer solitude."

A decade ago, the situation was starkly different. People passing by would frequently comment on their appearance, often with negative remarks. The words ranged from, "They need replacing," to "They look like they’re on their last legs." However, I held onto hope and decided to provide them with the care they deserved. With some water and natural fertilizer, the roses blossomed into their full glory once more.

Despite their advanced age, these roses now radiate beauty more than ever. Anyone who stops to take a moment can see that they are a source of joy, not just for me, but also for the buzzing bees that frequent them. Yet, remarkably, passers-by seem oblivious to this transformation. They are often too engrossed in their smartphones—making calls, playing games, or scrolling through social media. The quest for digital engagement overshadows the vibrant reality right in front of them.

Occasionally, someone might pause to snap a selfie, but the roses are reduced to a mere backdrop for another display of self-absorption. Humanity has evolved into smartphone-dependent beings, crafting lives that often exclude the tangible world surrounding us.

Ironically, we frequently advocate for sustainability and environmental awareness. We host conferences, initiate fundraisers, and call for regulations—all while yearning for a life immersed in nature. Yet, our existence has become overwhelmed by digital distractions, blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. While reality may not have vanished completely, it has certainly receded into the background.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Perhaps. But only if we choose to notice it.

Chapter 2: Rekindling Connection

I once considered myself a lover of nature but found myself nearly allowing the roses to wither away. I often justified my neglect, claiming I was too busy to attend to them. Emails, meetings, and an incessant influx of information consumed my time.

The comments from passers-by served as a wake-up call, prompting me to recognize the reality of my situation. The roses reminded me of the importance of appreciating the physical world around us.

Now, I can step outside, losing track of time as I immerse myself in the lives of the roses and the delicate balance they share with other creatures. Observing them is a restorative experience, grounding me in the present and providing clarity for my goals.

This realization reinforces that life on this planet doesn’t revolve solely around humanity. Despite our impressive technological advances, they pale in comparison to the intricate designs found in nature. We are merely a small part of a larger ecosystem, reliant on other species far more than they are on us.

Chapter 3: The Perils of Virtual Reality

Reality is not a construct of human design; it is not virtual. It is essential that we do not allow artificial intelligence to redefine what is real.

In discussion with a friend, he pondered, "What happens when we start to virtualize reality?" He warned that a few privileged voices could easily overshadow the collective discourse, leading to the rise of self-promoters and manipulators.

"That sounds rather grim," I replied.

"Maybe it is," he conceded, "and it's uncertain where we are headed. We're caught in a cycle of despair, and the endgame is unknown."

I remained silent, but I already envisioned the outcome. It’s a world where reality fades away, and the roses go unnoticed. Unfortunately, this might just be the beginning.

This shift will likely come with significant consequences, eroding our ability to discern truth from falsehood, right from wrong, and compromising our shared existence.

We must contemplate whether we truly wish to inhabit a human-made fantasy. Is such a fantasy sustainable? Probably not.

The world becomes perilous when humanity assumes complete control. Our destructive impact is evident—just look at the litter I must regularly clear from around my roses, carelessly discarded by those who pass by.

It would be far wiser to enhance our symbiotic relationship within a world shared with other species. So, take a moment to appreciate the tangible world around you, and perhaps, in doing so, people will once again notice the roses.

The first video explores the notion that the universe may not be as it seems, challenging viewers to reconsider their understanding of existence and reality.

The second video delves into the philosophical question of whether anything truly exists, prompting a deeper understanding of existence itself.