reply to post by ProRipp
2010?
Well, it’ll bring another chapter in Human history, that’s for sure. What that chapter will contain is another matter…
What we
will see are the same things that have dogged, hindered and improved us for as long as we have been around, but all on an increasingly
complex scale.
Science will further enhance our daily, working and social existence in new and exciting ways, giving us longer lives; it will ensure the chances of
life surviving where otherwise it would fail; it will persist with pushing life beyond the boundaries of Earth and the mind…science will also
continue to rape the planet for resources it is struggling desperately to improve and control; devise bigger and better ways of destroying life no
matter what the reasoning is behind the will and wish to destroy; formulate enhanced technology designed to dominate our waking thoughts and steer our
opinions away from the self and into the selfish.
Religion will offer explanations for the wrongs of the world and billions will find great solace and comfort in the inspired words of men who speak on
the behalf of gods; it will shine the welcoming light of love and eternal salvation into the darkest night of Man’s soul; it will give protection
from the world’s ills and all of it’s failings in word and deed; many will flock to it with open arms, seeking within its creeds and dogma
clarification of all the questions that would not form into words, yet perturbed them each and every day…and religion will paint the banner for
those who seek to wipe away the rights and privileges of those who do not believe their faith; it will be the strident justification for wars and the
killing of innocents; it will still be led by men who speak of laws and righteousness in the name of gods, yet who then prey on the weak and innocent
behind closed doors.
Society will provide all of the needs of modern life with increased efficiency, better affordability and widespread availability; choice will abound
and we will wander the aisles of markets bursting with sustenance and we will be content; comfort, warmth and security will be as close as anyone
needs; we will laugh and cry with the great and good who are blessed with the talent to entertain us; society will define us and give us purpose,
intent, and a rationale to succeed…society will also shun the homeless, encourage excess and offer no security; it will be the cause of unrest
amongst those whom do not understand it; its abundance will be a dream to some as they thirst and hunger, shiver or boil in lands that hold not
concern for those whose only concern is themselves.
Aspiration will thrive; those with good hearts will - with compassion - offer the hand of sympathy and aid to the needy; the achievements of Man will
grow in mind and body, and they will inspire others to attempt even greater feats; the hopes of many to further understanding will alter the attitudes
of the insular few; the desire to help will outweigh the desire to turn away…and Man will aspire to conquer anything he wishes for reasons that he
secretly justifies by political agenda, the desire for wealth and power, and animal lust; individuals will seek control of others with powerful words
that conceal hollow and manipulative agendas, and many will follow without question.
In other words, the world will continue to turn as it always has.
That sounds pessimistic. Do I want it to be any other way?
Of course.
The desire for
real, unquestionable, incontestably positive change – something so vigorous, inspirationally influential and intellectually,
yet uncomplicatedly, simple, that has the ability and impetus to rise above any and all deep-seated agendas and beliefs to assemble us together for
the first time as a
species as opposed to the many tribes we now are - burns as much in me as any other rational individual.
Who
actually wants to live in a world that has at the centre of its psyche the practice and pursuit of love and joy alongside death and greed?
We
obviously need change. I used to think we can do it ourselves but I’m sorry to say I’m losing faith in the concept, and now something
makes me believe that we need to be
shown that our inward-looking attitude is
wrong.
We
are in the corner of a darkened room, fearful of the surrounding shadows, clutching ourselves comfortingly and angry at what has happened
yet so arrogant that we won't try and find a way out. We are a lost child.
Will that change come from somewhere beyond this exquisitely beautiful gem of a world we are privileged to call our home? Who knows.
My honest desire is that it does.
Happy 2010.