But there was no follow-up to look forward to, no sense of progress or change or even (dammit) destiny.

In the late 60s a consensus started to emerge that "the idea of progress" along with the entire structure of our societies and cultures were human constructs and the first result was to start gleefully deconstructing all of the obnoxious structures that the established order found so comforting. But the problem was that we didn't understand quite how the constructive process had worked and responsible people were hesitant as to how to proceed if they had to take responsibility for creating the culture themselves. Some felt it should be done democratically.

Unfortunately, while this was unfolding, a few sociopaths, who had no qualms about creating a world to their own advantage, studied these subjects and started quietly and effectively working, in conjunction with wealthy individuals who sought to benefit themselves and their heirs, to shape the culture to their own advantage, the dark side. Carl Rove was among these people and GWB, "43" was the most dramatic result.

We have to take responsibility for creating our own reality and work with others of like mind to do so in such a way as we and our children can live with. A problem is that, if this is done publicly, dark side forces will find it easier to deform and subvert. Done secretly it risks turning into an updated "dictatorship of the proletariat". The challenge is to reconcile those constraints.

Unfortunately, it seems that solutions that serve small, self interested elites are easier to construct than solutions that serve the many. I believe that a broad solution that served the many could be very resilient -- once it became established -- at least for a generation or two.

It seems to me that using our remaining years trying to bring about such a solution is not only engrossing and exciting but eminently worthwhile. The effort might prolong our lives -- or get us killed -- but it is not likely to be boring.  

 

As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."

ThatBritGuy:

Someone needs to start inventing positive possible futures again

no other choice... fun too!

~"When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears outside as fate." Karl Jung~