Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air

[greatbear]

Reading about the massacre today at VA Tech was yet another moment that makes me think we might be seeing the downfall of the human race in progress. Climate change is currently on us, as the Northeast is getting socked in by snow or heavy rain, and I watch shingles flung off my roofs. Greed and self-centered behavior is the rule of the day everywhere it seems. It also seems people dont really care. I know I preach to the choir when I write here, since many, if not most of my readers share feelings similar to mine. But I look around at people during my daily grind and I sense that many seem to be lining up like so many lemmings in a marathon run that just might not have a pretty ending.

I think the human race is becoming a victim of it's own success.

I however always seem to hope for and see in people their ability to rise above adversity. Unfortunately, it often takes a catastrophe of large proportions to bring out that quality. You tend to not see it in those who 'have it made', as it were. And for the longest time, aside from a few spots of calamity, people have never had it so good, and it often shows but for the worst. Instant gratification is the word of the day. Mind-numbing venues of endless entertainment. Point-and-click, and it's yours. Use that cellphone any time you want. The list goes on. If not measured against disaster, lean times for all or some great calamity, people feel an overwhelming sense of entitlement and greed.

It is said that 'all good things must come to an end'. I feel this is true, for if nothing else, it gives us a gauge for when the next 'good things' come about. It gives people a common goal. And in the worst of times, you will often see the best that mankind has within itself.

I cannot help but feel that mankind will soon have to withstand it's greatest test yet. Let's hope for the best.

Comments

Re: sorry about this guys, but I'm an optomistic person by nature.

[dougoros.livejournal.com]

I like that daily good deed thing...am gonna try it for myself. It's very true that the apathy of good men permits evil to grow....but are there enough good men to counter the evil? A truly good person wouldn't settle for apathy would he/she?

Re: sorry about this guys, but I'm an optomistic person by nature.

[beartech420.livejournal.com]

it is kinda like a sin of omission. You know there is something that you need to step in and do. Your good angels are screaming in your ears to go for it. But there is this one lazy voice saying someone else can do it or it's none of my bussiness.
BestRegards,
Pete

Re: sorry about this guys, but I'm an optomistic person by nature.

[fingertrouble.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I believe the human race is 'shining' or these are the good times...too much bad and 'end of empire' feeling around things. The coming oil wars will make this all look like a walk in the park...

The problem with intervening or doing good, as I did recently when two people were advancing on one guy armed with chunks of wood; is the immediate response is incredibly aggressive, even when you remind them of what they are doing they seem to feel they have a right - well not on my street.

Luckily it devolved after I threatened to call the police into drunken name-calling. But that's the problem in a microcosm - you need to relinquish 'freedom' and 'individuality' for society and democracy; some like the right to beat someone to a pulp we all disagree with - so why do people think they have the right to do that, or worse?