Sorry to be a “provocateur” here, but while this essay is not petty, and continues a focus on an important theme (mysteries of modern society), perhaps “the ‘lad’ doth protest too much, methinks”. I would add it to life’s many unanswered questions, most of which we are not entitled to be answered. We, mere mortals, are expected to live, …
Sorry to be a “provocateur” here, but while this essay is not petty, and continues a focus on an important theme (mysteries of modern society), perhaps “the ‘lad’ doth protest too much, methinks”. I would add it to life’s many unanswered questions, most of which we are not entitled to be answered. We, mere mortals, are expected to live, experience, and be enthralled with its mysteries. And in the random distribution of privilege and health, an essay on the boredom of never leaving home perhaps looks past the growing numbers of those who have no home, no family, questionable health, and wander continuously in and out of our world. The semi-hidden, mostly ignored souls, who still have dreams, goals, and energy to live life as best they can. To reminisce on memories of “different times” is sweet and sincere. We all do that. But there is really nothing MAGA about the past, present, or future. It is what it is/was/will be. Even though I am now among the “elderly “ by definition, there is an internal alarm that goes off if and when I start to lament about the past (other than wishes for more energy and less confusion). And I do try to be present in my appreciation for the wonder that each day can bring ( again, sorry to drone in a common theme). So as not be preachy here, it would be my wish for each generation ( or better yet , individual) to be more curious than sensitive about life, and live our own meaning, nestled at the heart of the mystery. Or maybe not. I don’t care if you walk on my lawn…
Kevin, always appreciate your insight, and it's interesting that my meaning is often being interpreted so differently from what I meant and intended. I remember our little debate about the "controlling and owning" a few weeks back. In this post, I think again what I was driving at may have gotten misconstrued, as you're saying exactly what I was trying to say...that the mysteries ARE so important, that we should be enthralled by them, that we should celebrate them, and my worry is, if the kids have access to everything instantly, that mystery begins to fade with the boredom. Nothing I was saying has anything to do with those who have no home, no family, or questionable health, and I don't see the essay I wrote being about the random distribution of privilege. It was about how I am watching, in very real time, people all over actively choosing a virtual world in which they experience it alone, OVER everything else. And I think sometimes, a lament about the past when the present is so clearly going in a scary direction, is not only important, but unavoidable. All of the numbers show that we're dealing with a mental health crisis we've never before faced, especially with our young people, so without looking back for clues, we cannot look Forward with answers. Your final statement again touches on what was the true meaning of my whole essay, and also what I was wanting, for kids to be more intimately connected with the great amazing mysterious beautiful world around them, and those beautiful souls they share it with, not just the bells and whistles of the latest device in their hand.
Sorry to be a “provocateur” here, but while this essay is not petty, and continues a focus on an important theme (mysteries of modern society), perhaps “the ‘lad’ doth protest too much, methinks”. I would add it to life’s many unanswered questions, most of which we are not entitled to be answered. We, mere mortals, are expected to live, experience, and be enthralled with its mysteries. And in the random distribution of privilege and health, an essay on the boredom of never leaving home perhaps looks past the growing numbers of those who have no home, no family, questionable health, and wander continuously in and out of our world. The semi-hidden, mostly ignored souls, who still have dreams, goals, and energy to live life as best they can. To reminisce on memories of “different times” is sweet and sincere. We all do that. But there is really nothing MAGA about the past, present, or future. It is what it is/was/will be. Even though I am now among the “elderly “ by definition, there is an internal alarm that goes off if and when I start to lament about the past (other than wishes for more energy and less confusion). And I do try to be present in my appreciation for the wonder that each day can bring ( again, sorry to drone in a common theme). So as not be preachy here, it would be my wish for each generation ( or better yet , individual) to be more curious than sensitive about life, and live our own meaning, nestled at the heart of the mystery. Or maybe not. I don’t care if you walk on my lawn…
Kevin, always appreciate your insight, and it's interesting that my meaning is often being interpreted so differently from what I meant and intended. I remember our little debate about the "controlling and owning" a few weeks back. In this post, I think again what I was driving at may have gotten misconstrued, as you're saying exactly what I was trying to say...that the mysteries ARE so important, that we should be enthralled by them, that we should celebrate them, and my worry is, if the kids have access to everything instantly, that mystery begins to fade with the boredom. Nothing I was saying has anything to do with those who have no home, no family, or questionable health, and I don't see the essay I wrote being about the random distribution of privilege. It was about how I am watching, in very real time, people all over actively choosing a virtual world in which they experience it alone, OVER everything else. And I think sometimes, a lament about the past when the present is so clearly going in a scary direction, is not only important, but unavoidable. All of the numbers show that we're dealing with a mental health crisis we've never before faced, especially with our young people, so without looking back for clues, we cannot look Forward with answers. Your final statement again touches on what was the true meaning of my whole essay, and also what I was wanting, for kids to be more intimately connected with the great amazing mysterious beautiful world around them, and those beautiful souls they share it with, not just the bells and whistles of the latest device in their hand.