Ya know, sometimes while wondering about what this life is all about and how human passion functions within it, thoughts of what little I know of string theory drifts back to mind. The notion that there are dimensions, separate layers of perceptibility, where activity levels vary drastically. Previously I’ve likened it to the contrast between the vibrations of string instruments from a micro perspective and the quiet, less active realm of the listening audience. You could also compare devastating battles breaking out in one particular region to the relative calm observed from outer space. Both are true simultaneously; it’s just a matter of perspective.
When I think about modern civilization and the technological advancements humankind’s managed expressly in the last century, and the decided shift from a religious to a secular era in light of political and economic models taken to unprecedented global extremes, the string theory analogy pops back up. I wonder if it isn’t related to our concept of time, experiencing our own lives from the micro perspective while studying the macro version in history and archaeology textbooks. Reflecting on the battles and conflict that have arisen all across the world in even just the last millennium, a tiny fraction of our time in existence, their frequency would register like millions of little dots glittering on a globe, not unlike other rhythms created in nature.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.” — Samuel Adams
Hmmm… so how does passion and conviction figure in here in terms of rebellion and implementing social change? From what I can tell from reading history, convictions and passion aren’t automatically synonomous with justice and wisdom. Plenty of examples exist demonstrating clearly how misguided and easily corrupted man can be. As it’s commonly said: the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This quote sticks in the mind, giving me regular pause to consider the possible unintended consequences that may stem from anything and everything, even that being promoted by well-meaning people. Like a good many of the liberals and conservatives in the U.S. And the Progressives, the Marxists, the Libertarians. Probably even a sizable portion of the Christians and Muslims. People of all stripes pushing for social change that they believe, right or wrong, will usher in more ideal conditions for all (or virtually all). Sometimes severely misguided, other times noble in purpose and spirit, but only time tells.
That’s not intended as a nod toward moral relativism, which I do not subscribe to in full. But I do wonder if this sort of multi-cultural, multi-creed, multi-ethnic, philosophically and ideologically diverse “melting pot” we’ve got going on here–not only in the U.S. but spreading to a continent near you–isn’t going to blow up (or perhaps implode) on us one day. Hence the notion of One World Order and its growing acceptance as people tangle with this reality clash. Take our current climate – we don’t know if we’re coming or going most days, skittering with the reverberations from political and economic upheavals.
I don’t know what’s supposed to be real anymore and I can’t tell which perspective is best to embrace. There’s the perspective of every person for him or herself, on the take, doing whatever brings pleasure and satisfaction, even at the expense of others. Then there’s the martyr perspective of fighting against the systems and/or the sheeple if need be or offering your services in an attempt to help people suffering from one malady or another. Then there’s the perspective of the observer, stepping ‘back’ whatever extent that’s possible in order to gain a better vantage point, useful if your aim is to theorize and/or report news and happenings and/or poke fun at the failings and misfortunes of others. It makes me wonder if it will even matter 300 years from now what position an individual takes. I believe it does. Life calls for a combination probably, but the goals tend to be conflicting. Even when devoted to service and humane treatment of others, unintended consequences still crop up (Planned Parenthood and missionaries come to mind).
I suppose we continue living and learning and keep trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. If folks don’t care about the pursuit of truth, well, that’s for them to live with. Though their choices and actions have a tendency to affect everybody else, especially when they vote. Ugh. lol But maybe folks like that have always existed and are a ‘natural’ part of civilization’s rhythm. As are people like me.
Seems like in a time with so many people over-stimulated to the hilt, setting “brush fires” might not be the best tactic to get their attention. Almost makes you wonder if you’re not doing the world a greater favor by controlling your mouth and measuring your words, taking time for introspection, connecting with others as a genuine friend and individual, while seeking guidance from books and sages in an effort to understand what peace entails and how it may be realistically achieved, both personally and interpersonally. Not just ‘getting along’ or keeping from rocking the boat. It appears there is indeed a time and a place to crash a party and sink a ship. Who gets to decide that? The party-crasher, I suppose.
I don’t know. The more I learn and ponder, the less I seem to know. People are people. What more can you say? The only person we have control over is ourselves, and even this is limited and selfishly/ignorantly biased. As a former friend once said: even if we all suddenly woke up and began paddling frantically, it’s too late; the handbasket we’re in is going over this waterfall whether we like it or not. Just as it will go over many other waterfalls in the future, assuming we don’t wind up extinct before having the opportunity.
So sleepy now…
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