In this current era of instant communication and social media, the recent messaging and conversations circulating in the cosmic firmament do not encourage a smile and warm feelings of optimism.
If one, however, takes time to reflect and read between the lines on some of the positive messaging that is displayed on our smartphones and computer screens, there is a core of authentic decency and hope embedded in the thinking and voices of those authors who wish to make a positive contribution to our world and humanity.
A specific example of this is a quote from the now famous young celebrity of the Facebook scandal, Christopher Wylie. “In my view, if you’ve done something wrong, the first step is to try to own up and tell people about it.“ Words and advice that most responsible parents have shared with their children at one time or another.
Knowing what is wrong and owning up requires an authentic response of honesty and the personal integrity, character and will of self-command, to deal effectively with our akratic nature. There are so many other perceived easier routes in our decision-making process to avoid responsibility. Delaying and avoiding the hard decisions, sweeping problems under the rug, hoping they will be forgotten are tempting.
Also, in our consumer world, where colonial thinking of possession, privilege, position and power continue to direct our social agenda and thinking, it becomes easy to compromise values that are the key notes to the social harmony, so necessary for peace and a just caring society. We become our own worst enemy when we convince ourselves that this is an earned entitlement of our democracy. We even champion this thinking and behaviour in the name of personal choice and freedom.
To know that a young Canadian technology whiz kid has stepped up and is speaking truth to power is refreshing and speaks well of our smart and literate new generation. They are not only the echoes of our times, they are becoming the leading voices and hopefully through their own efforts and wisdom gained from the struggles and lessons of previous generations, they will help change the trajectory of our current path to Armageddon.
Wilf Borgstede, St. Albert
