PRIZED POSESSIONS What are the true values of our times?
What on things or quality is it which is most esteemed of all that we have at this moment in our lives?
And - more important, perhaps: how does it, or they, compare to what we have called "good" and "most valued" in the past. By knowing this we can best plan for a future that shows progress rather than decline.
The more I think about such things, the more convinced I become that mankind does not change as much as he likes to think he does. All of us are still pretty much what we have been, as a family, for generations.
Oh, yes... we are, indeed, "better off " - much more better off because the outer structures have changed, become more refined, perhaps, more enjoyable, much safer, and re-fashioned to assure us greater creature comforts. Within each of us changes have been more or less forced upon us by circumstances, but it is amazing how - in spite of the many improvements made in our overall situation - many individuals have retained concepts of hate, distrust, envy chicanery, lust, avarice, and all such negative qualifications which were, perhaps, common in man's path from primitive crudeness to comparative maturity.
I, for some reason I never explain honestly -even to myself - I find it difficult to believe that which so many self-appointed authorities seem to be ever ready to tell me that "Mankind is going to hell in a hand basket."
Some where, away back in the shadowy portion of our minds we know so little about - there seems to endure an unquenchable spark of an idea which insists we, indeed, are all created beings of a Higher Power.
Our best is His best. We all strive to attain to a level which will sustain a connective reality with thing which might be "out there" in the void beyond out present understanding.
The knowledge we have gained is, to me, the most valued single unit of progress. Electronic marvels have come to us in recent times which could increase man's knowledge of that which is good and available to all.
It may be equated with Man's discovery of how best to make use of fire.
The flame of the future awaits ignition. You may be the means of doing so. The simple belief that you are such a person is the best thing in your life and worthy of working toward as a goal. The fact that we are still here speaks well for our conduct up to now. Use the wealth of your present abilities to improve your lot, and of those about you, and the future will be bright and welcome.
A.L.M February 24, 2005 [c-460wds]
