There are some possible positive spin-off effects of these skyrocketing gas prices. Tough as it is, they could force us to make adjustments that result in healthier, more communal and environmentally friendly living. And they could push governments and businesses to help provide the infrastructure.

Until now, we've had little incentive to cut back on a one-person, one-car lifestyle that's polluting, wasteful, congests traffic and spawns the growth of highways and parking garages. But when people can no longer afford to get in their gas-guzzling SUVs alone, maybe we'll try something different.

At the most basic level, it should give a much-needed boost to public transportation, especially in cities that don't have extensive bus routes or late hours of operation.

Employers might consider offering shuttle services from the major residential areas where employees live. At the very least, we could all be doing more carpooling; employee groups or human resources officials could help coordinate schedules.

More commuters may be inspired to ride their bikes to work, a great heart-healthy exercise. Then we might get more bike lanes.

Gas prices are leading to the manufacture of hybrid cars for those who can afford them. But a more dramatic impact could be a trend some demographers predict, and real-estate agents are starting to see: a move back to the urban cores of our cities.

Some communities are looking at four-day work weeks, which could promote a better quality of life and more family time.

I know none of this long-term thinking can make up for the pinch we're feeling at the gas pump right now. But when we stop behaving as if the Earth's resources are infinite and each of us has unlimited, autonomous access to them, we might also start living more consciously and purposefully.

Gannett News Service columnist Rekha Basu focuses on social and cultural issues, and trends.