In traditional Greek plays the main protagonists would usually be backed by two groups of choruses, each of which would propose diametrically different interpretations of the dilemma our hero would find himself in. Should I sleep with my mother? Should I kill my father? Should I poke my eye out with a sharp stick? The Greek heroes rarely had to ponder things the consequences of which went far beyond the philosophical. Today’s heroes have a bigger responsibility. We may continue to borrow from the future to keep the multitudes peacefully occupied making stuff nobody needs out of raw materials we can’t replace while destroying our planet (that would be the American Way), or we may focus humanity’s undoubted ingenuity and energies repairing some of the damage already wrought on the future generations while inventing a better way to harness the sun's energy into happiness, pleasure, satisfaction or utility, whichever term you prefer.
Sadly it would appear the cynical view that everything moves in cycles, and that human nature is what it is, warts and all, has gained the upper hand. I’m afraid that is not good enough. This time it really is different, and the current crisis is an opportunity to change. Human nature, unfettered, is well capable of self-destruction as demonstrated over and over again through history. “Yes, young Oglediwop, the human population of Planet Earth was utterly incapable of restraint, and stuffed itself with whatever resources was right in front of them without a thought for tomorrow, until they had completely destroyed their habitat. That provided us with a useful site for dumping --- [HEY! It’s you again. You from last year! Get out of my Christmas Greeting! Shoo!]
I really must apologize. I try to keep him on locked up on this blog. The truth is we've had another wonderful year, and we continue to count our blessings. We have, however, had reason to be even more concerned about what kind of planet we leave to the next generations - roughly 50% more concerned in fact (a little less for you pedants out there - call me if you want mathematical proof) in the form of gorgeous Catherine Louise who knocked on our door in late August. It never gets old. My lovely wife insisted it was the most painful of the three, but I was there and can't be fooled: it looked pretty routine to me, so next time it's the good, old public hospital again (this is where I get that look from Irene...).
Sadly it would appear the cynical view that everything moves in cycles, and that human nature is what it is, warts and all, has gained the upper hand. I’m afraid that is not good enough. This time it really is different, and the current crisis is an opportunity to change. Human nature, unfettered, is well capable of self-destruction as demonstrated over and over again through history. “Yes, young Oglediwop, the human population of Planet Earth was utterly incapable of restraint, and stuffed itself with whatever resources was right in front of them without a thought for tomorrow, until they had completely destroyed their habitat. That provided us with a useful site for dumping --- [HEY! It’s you again. You from last year! Get out of my Christmas Greeting! Shoo!]
I really must apologize. I try to keep him on locked up on this blog. The truth is we've had another wonderful year, and we continue to count our blessings. We have, however, had reason to be even more concerned about what kind of planet we leave to the next generations - roughly 50% more concerned in fact (a little less for you pedants out there - call me if you want mathematical proof) in the form of gorgeous Catherine Louise who knocked on our door in late August. It never gets old. My lovely wife insisted it was the most painful of the three, but I was there and can't be fooled: it looked pretty routine to me, so next time it's the good, old public hospital again (this is where I get that look from Irene...).
No, I think realistically this is our after-tax baker's dozen, and that we consequently shouldn't require additions to Gloria Mundi - with perhaps the exception of a floating shed where as the sole carrier of chromosome Y in the immediate family I may retire every now and then to tend to my stamp collection and an obsession reminiscent of medieval alchemists with turning Chardonnay into philosophy.
The two older sisters continue to impress us, not least with their voracious appetite for reading; I believe I have to persuade the unemployed financial geniuses on Wall Street to start writing teen novels in 2010, or I foresee a major shortage. They have long since exhausted the supply in Dymock's Booksellers in Discovery Bay, but I suppose I could throw a couple of Harry Potters down in their pen; that should keep them occupied for a little while.
The two older sisters continue to impress us, not least with their voracious appetite for reading; I believe I have to persuade the unemployed financial geniuses on Wall Street to start writing teen novels in 2010, or I foresee a major shortage. They have long since exhausted the supply in Dymock's Booksellers in Discovery Bay, but I suppose I could throw a couple of Harry Potters down in their pen; that should keep them occupied for a little while.
Other than that all that remains is to convey our very warmest regards, sentiments and best wishes for 2010.
Irene and Anders
