I have become fascinated by what can be found in the first few chapters of Genesis. I probably should have referenced Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn, one of my all-time favorite books. In it he focuses on the environmental impacts of civilization, relating it at the end to the story of Cain and Abel. I am sincerely convinced that civilization is the worst mistake in human history. It is institutionalized evil that co-opts people with material goodies. I am also convinced, though, that justice based on mutual respect can redeem civilization.