Damek.

Just when you thought we were insignificant, it seems we’re leaving quite the mark on Earth’s soils, a complex and important part of the planet few people give much thought to. I love soil, I just find it fascinating. Screw plants, soil’s where it’s at!

And some other scientists are even saying humans have brought about a new epoch in Earth’s history — and I have to say, the soil changes alone are enough to probably make this true, in a domino-effect kind of way. The acidification of the oceans is the same magnitude of change.

So here we are, entering the Anthropocene Era. We’re just waking up to the fact that we have the ability to shape the planet. I think the next logical step is we will use what we’re learning to shape it more and more. It’s what we do.

If we survive!! [cue music: dum dum duuumm!]

Seriously, though, it’s a concern. As I tutor kids in science, and think about becoming a teacher, and just look at kids in general (little dude on the train yesterday kept staring at me…), I see this strange future we’re giving them, all the power we’ll be giving them, and wonder at it all.

And then I remember we are but one planet, one species, seemingly alone in a sea of emptiness, and that old familiar feeling of insignificance comes washing back. Ah, there it is! Pleasant! I think a solid feeling of humility and insignificance is the only place from which to take a step forward and steward the planet, and the others on which we will eventually set foot.

It’s one of the reasons I loved the movie Contact back in the day, and Carl Sagan, and the relatively new series “Planet Earth” that a good friend gave to me. Being out in nature itself is even better! And it’s why I love history, for the long perspective, and historical places where you can just feel the weight of generations, and the hopes and dreams of all of them.

The perspective of insignificance, and of humility, is one of the most valuable things anyone can have in this day and age, and I cherish it wherever I find it.

And it’s the little things that fill me with wonder, too, like this story on how they just learned how Anthrax infections actually start, on the cellular level.

But hey! We have cameras that can detect your smile! And put one on you if you weren’t smiling!