Every day is the same...
We see politicians bickering over old questions and unable to offer any solutions;
We see wars being fought for reasons that neither side actually understands;
We see a financial system and government so large and complex that our top academics and experts can hardly comprehend them;
We see crowds of angry people yelling at even angrier people;
We don't understand why or how things got to this point, but we assume they can't change, so we don't try;
We are sure tomorrow will be the same.
A little over two decades ago few people owned personal computers and the internet was still in development. Today, smart phones allow us to constantly have access and communication with the world around us. If there is something we don't understand, we can now Google it or go to Wikipedia instead of having to walk to a library or find an expert on the subject. Facebook has transformed our social interactions so that we are now keenly aware of the thoughts and emotions of those in our lives. We have arrived at a new age of human consciousness.
Now go back and reexamine the issues that we see in our daily lives.
It seems as if nothing has changed, although the rest of the world has...
Isn't that a bit curious?
Our views and conceptions of society are so deeply entrenched in our way of thinking that we refuse to believe in other options, although they are well within our means.
The problem is ignorance. In fact, it has always been ignorance. Almost every problem in society is due to misunderstandings amongst one another. Today, as it has throughout history, our foolishness is threatening to lead us down that dusty old road to nowhere.
However, we also now have the tools to fight against it. At no point in human history has there been more access to information as there is today. By using technology, we are able to think more freely and create new pragmatic solutions to old problems. Our strength lies in our capacity to understand, process, and spread knowledge.
However, we also now have the tools to fight against it. At no point in human history has there been more access to information as there is today. By using technology, we are able to think more freely and create new pragmatic solutions to old problems. Our strength lies in our capacity to understand, process, and spread knowledge.
As protesters in NYC and across the nation have gathered together to reject a flawed financial system, the dangers of reverting to old rhetoric and worn-out tactics is all too tempting. Nevertheless, a small spark has lit a nascent flame and, before it has time to burn out, I hope we nurture it to fruition.
Let's not wait for tomorrow.
Today, change starts with you.
