It can sometimes seem that the world… or at least our little corner of it… has lost all sense of reason… sanity… and sensibility. All thoughtfulness, respect, and even decency can appear to have vanished.
Pig #1 labels someone else as a pig… as if being a pig was a dreadful thing with which Pig #1 does not self-identify. A liar whines because someone else lied. An obvious “political operative” squawks because politics has wormed its way into everything. A young worker gets financially penalized for working hard, saving money, and earning a good credit rating. Technology confounds as social media platforms claim to be mere outlets for open idea exchanges, while judging and squelching ideas and conversations with which they disagree or take umbrage. A devoted socialist calls out for freedom and human rights, while whittling away at them constantly. A nonbeliever criticizes others’ rights to celebrate, practice, or even discuss their differing beliefs.
We are repeatedly hounded to accept false premises as undeniable truths… and when we hear the tales often enough, we may start to accept them. It takes great faith to not to let the “finger pointers” bully us into self-doubt.
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
— Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD)
Roman Emperor and philosopher
The last emperor of the Pax Romana, an age of relative peace, calmness, and stability in the Roman Empire commented on the prospects of a future without reason rather astutely. A couple of millennia later, we are still standing, despite generations of challenges.
We must remind ourselves and those around us to fear not. Things tend to have a way to right themselves. We need not lose our good reasoning or hope. Despite those who seem rather openly dedicated to a “cancel culture,” freedom of thought still lives. Keep the faith!
