This virus and the related lockdowns are throwing the human condition into sharp relief.
Humans are the most unbelievably complex and varied species on the planet, if not in existence. We are present in almost every form you can imagine. Some are inspirational, others insipid. Some will move heaven and earth for others, others not so much. Some give uncontrollably, others are parasitic. Some have nothing but selfish desires, others are empathic to the point of giving their own happiness for another. Some care nothing for the future, others strive to make it better.
Humans are the most unbelievably complex and varied species on the planet, if not in existence. We are present in almost every form you can imagine. Some are inspirational, others insipid. Some will move heaven and earth for others, others not so much. Some give uncontrollably, others are parasitic. Some have nothing but selfish desires, others are empathic to the point of giving their own happiness for another. Some care nothing for the future, others strive to make it better.
The biggest frustration is that we should all be capable of the greatest of things. Every single one of us theoretically has the potential to be the inspiration, the spark, the catalyst. Yet some choose the easy path, or choose to hide behind others, or twist circumstances and people to suit their own ends.
I did use to believe that this potential to be an inspiration was within everyone, given the right prompts. Now I am not so sure. Just watching how the biggest health scare in our generation has quickly turned into yet another bout of political point scoring and "me first" mentalities sickens me.
This was the chance to be our generation's "moment", that one thing that brings the world together to fight for each other. The first time that a common enemy could be identified and we could work as a whole for the benefit of all mankind. Our "alien invasion scenario" if you were.
Instead within a few weeks we had people buying more supplies they could ever need, not thinking for one second about others. We have politicians manoeuvring for position, the rich looking for excuses not to share. We have people who's first instinct should be "what can I do to help" instead hiding away and saying "oh that's too much trouble for me". We have people who can't put aside prejudice and hate to come together for a common cause.
It abhors me, and it should you too. The aliens wouldn't even have to try, we destroy ourselves.
But it doesn't have to be that way. The world will continue to turn, but differently from before. We should try to be a part of the the solution, instead of just living in our own bubble and not giving a shit about who is suffering from our actions (or inactions). I'm just as guilty, don't think this isn't directed at me as well. I know I haven't done enough, though I am trying.
So this is my plea to myself, and to others who are inclined to care.
(For the rest, I have little more to say).
Be bold, be courageous, be an inspiration. If you have the will, it gets you a long way there. And sometimes we don't realise what can be achieved until we see other people achieve it.
Accept the inspiration and try to pass that on. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, or anything big or expensive. It can be the simplest of things, but try to do something. You only have to keep the bucket moving, not carry the load yourself. We are capable of so much when we work together, when we put our petty desires aside and simply strive to be better.
It is not always easy, or even obvious a lot of the time, but these moments cross our paths more frequently than realise. Take one, and run with it.
This was the chance to be our generation's "moment", that one thing that brings the world together to fight for each other. The first time that a common enemy could be identified and we could work as a whole for the benefit of all mankind. Our "alien invasion scenario" if you were.
Instead within a few weeks we had people buying more supplies they could ever need, not thinking for one second about others. We have politicians manoeuvring for position, the rich looking for excuses not to share. We have people who's first instinct should be "what can I do to help" instead hiding away and saying "oh that's too much trouble for me". We have people who can't put aside prejudice and hate to come together for a common cause.
It abhors me, and it should you too. The aliens wouldn't even have to try, we destroy ourselves.
But it doesn't have to be that way. The world will continue to turn, but differently from before. We should try to be a part of the the solution, instead of just living in our own bubble and not giving a shit about who is suffering from our actions (or inactions). I'm just as guilty, don't think this isn't directed at me as well. I know I haven't done enough, though I am trying.
So this is my plea to myself, and to others who are inclined to care.
(For the rest, I have little more to say).
Be bold, be courageous, be an inspiration. If you have the will, it gets you a long way there. And sometimes we don't realise what can be achieved until we see other people achieve it.
Accept the inspiration and try to pass that on. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, or anything big or expensive. It can be the simplest of things, but try to do something. You only have to keep the bucket moving, not carry the load yourself. We are capable of so much when we work together, when we put our petty desires aside and simply strive to be better.
It is not always easy, or even obvious a lot of the time, but these moments cross our paths more frequently than realise. Take one, and run with it.
Till tomorrow,
DT
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