A quest for a comprehensive, logical and comprehensible truth to our lives and the world around us is elusive. Remembered and written history gives a bit of context for the living, but is skewed toward those who control the narrative. The current generation of sentient humans spans approximately 100 years but has an advantage of written and recorded historical information, again, filtered through the lens of singular perspectives. Similar to the popular television quiz show, Jeopardy, answers are offered, but the seminal question and reason for them are actually more pivotal to understanding their context.
For those who reflect on historical rhythms and cycles of past turmoil, it is inescapable that they form templates of today. The phrase “history repeats itself” is a well-known aphorism. Along with positive aspects of humanity, negative influences such as intolerance, disease and injustice are woven throughout history. Written commentary and theories abound with reference to these malevolent behaviors. While differing in detail, the similarities are striking. As American humorist Mark Twain wrote: “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” The Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw also commented on the lack of respect paid to these cycles, saying, “If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.”
Current dilemmas facing us at all levels of life and government are not new, yet we struggle to learn from past responses. In 1798 Robert Malthus, an English cleric and scholar, wrote an essay, Principle of Population, in which he recognized the pressures of population growth and its effect on economics. He proposed limits of population based on the available supply of resources. Opposition to this theory by economist Ester Boserup in the 20th century supposes that technological advances will balance supply and demand. Answers offered by each are tempered by the timeframe of their lives – one prior to the Industrial Revolution and the other following its inception.
This window of time is our singular context, but gives us, its current occupants, an opportunity to learn from others in past eras. For example, during the turbulent era of the 1960s, filled with strife over an unpopular war and its social and economic effects, popular songs such as Bob Dylan’s 1964 “The Times They Are A-Changin” looked for answers, calling for action by all. Currently, that call to action is just as relevant and even more essential to the continuation of our democratic ideals than ever. This threat is real and, combined with a politicization of health concerns, poses a challenge to our existence and continuation as a democratic republic.
Local input and focus lie at the root of national direction and strength. It is at this level of action that true change occurs. Dylan’s first stanza warns listeners “…the waters around you have grown” and “…you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone.” He also wrote a song that directly addresses the consternation that follows ineffectual replies to similar patterns. In response to perennial questions, he gives an ambiguous answer… “Blowin In The Wind.”
What will our response be to today’s challenges? Value community health… if not already vaccinated, do it now. Attend a council, board, commission or committee meeting to learn about their responsibilities. Participate and protect local government and your community!