Give: To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow. This is what we are receiving constantly from the universe; the gifts of sunlight, moonlight, wind, rain, fruits and grains. The universe is benign, giving graciously and not expecting anything in return. Why would a being with advanced consciousness not be aware of the multitude of benefits received from the cosmos and not be eternally grateful and make an attempt to reciprocate? Existentialism and nihilism, two philosophical viewpoints of the last 200 years, both tend to reject our responsibility to the universe or life itself for that matter. These negative ideas may be plausible for a child or someone of less intelligence, but by the time someone matures and witnesses the world, even with all its faults, should realize that having advanced consciousness is the rarest of possibilities. We are literally bathing in organic and inorganic substances around us, and we have to wake up and develop sincere appreciation for our blessing of human life, with advanced consciousness, and the ability to move freely. Civilizations together have made incredible material advancements in science, health, technology, travel, and communication to mention a few. More than half the world’s population should practically be giddy with the material improvements which are allowing us to live full, independent lives as much as we choose. This is called Agency: The capacity to act or exert power. Advancements are incremental and over periods of time which unfortunately has the effect of not making them as obvious and appreciated. I stayed in Calcutta in July and August of 1980 with water supplies and electricity rationed on a daily basis and truly learned to value those two commodities more than ever. We tend to take the quantum leaps humankind has made for granted and lose our gratitude. I’m not recommending reciting a daily list of thanks or anything like that, but every time you flip on a light switch, turn on a sink or shower faucet, and flush a toilet perhaps be a little more appreciative and realize that you have a debt to pay for these incredible advantages…