Wednesday Musings
A bit of my thinking at the moment
This is a good day to sit and reflect on the world as it appears to be and the future we might build together. Every cent spent is a vote for a world we are co-creating
I think of myself as an imp like the one depicted above, courtesy of the build in image generator here on Substack. I look into my crystal ball and see that choices we are making are leading us into an uncertain future. One might say, aping David Byrne, “Same as it ever was!” but then I hear the plaintive tones of Robert Plant singing, “Now’s the time to look and look again at what you see. Is that the way it ought to stay?” I think most of us would say, “No, we must do better!” The question is “How?”
We have to start from where we are with what we have and do all we can to create a world that future generations will thank us for. The most effective way I know of doing this is by being “Homo economicus” as I call our current species. Every cent spent is a vote for the kind of world we are co-creating, I repeat. By making very careful choices on where we put our energy - and money is nothing if not a form of energy - we can change the course of history. Throwing a little more into the arts, literature, and sciences can help. Music is one area where we really ought to put more of our attention. The things that stand the test of time are the result of the actions of our artists, our writers, and our musicians.
Having said that, what is the best way of conveying this concept and ensuring that people know they have the power? It’s to wake people up. What will it take? Well, if the fires in California are any indicator, it’ll take a great deal more suffering before the whole of our population wakes up to the insanity into which our economic engines have projected us.
In short, I don’t know. I know how things seem to me and I am willing to admit new information which might lead me to reach other conclusions, but for now, this is where I am - thinking of how we can effect real change in the world and seeing that money talks. We can make a difference, but only if we choose to recognize our ability to do so. Will we? I’m interested in your perspectives.
I like where you're going. Pondering time...
I was drawn in by the image of the imp (great job!) and am so glad I came here. This is a very thoughtful post. Sometimes I don't think there will ever be a wake-up call. But the way the pendulum tends to swing, if there is, it will be powerful. The people are desperate, that's why we vote the way we do, regardless of which side. We're fueled by desperation. If we can somehow come together and channel that energy into hope, we can move mountains.
I love the idea of making a difference through our financial choices. I am also still preoccupied by the ways we got here. How can I see things so differently from my neighbors, my friends, my family? I think we have to insist on finding common ground and empathy. Even with people we disagree with. Approach with curiosity rather than fear and hatred. The bots are trolling us for a reason. Creating division for a reason. Division sells. But we are stronger together.