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The practice of weather
modification, like weather prediction, began countless millennia
before
the rise of Western civilization. Traditional
WM methods were utilized in many
parts
of the world by various Indigenous peoples and
continue to be performed today.
What is already an
ancient custom
may well become "tomorrow's technology" in the West. This is not
unusual
as many Western concepts, values, products and skills have actually
been
"borrowed" from non-Western sources.
An understanding of
traditional
WM technology requires knowledge of at least some of the general
features
of the Indigenous worldview which,
in
many respects, has long been diametrically opposed to the Western
version.
That is, until recently. At last, Western science is beginning
to acknowledge fundamental errors in its
view
of reality and nature and to concede the wisdom of the Indigenous
perspective. Some eminent Western
scientists have realized this fact and
acknowledged it in
various
ways.
The following extracts outline
the difference between the two worldviews:
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An
overview of Nature,
Indigenous traditional knowledge and science
"Indigenous
traditional societies shared
a common world view and approach to
life which accorded strict
respect
for and studied adherence to the social, spiritual and physical design
as found in the natural creation. Indigenous culture based knowledge
systems
were developed over the millennia. These systematized knowledge systems
still survive to varying degrees and are especially noted for their
qualities
of simplicity, functionality, integration, holism, adaptability, and
sustainability."
A scientist's view
of Western science
and Nature
"I think that many
of the problems
we have come from a too narrow scientific
paradigm
or model of reality which creates a split between the mind... feelings
and experience. This creates a split in our
entire
culture which is at the root of our ecological crisis and the sense
of alienation and loss of meaning. I think a more holistic
and inclusive scientific approach will help heal this split and
improve
our relations with the natural world around us and each other."
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Introduction