As 2008 proceeds a general mood of gloom deepens. Despite finding my own plans thwarted (see “Waiting for the dead cat bounce”) I see in the growing dismal news signals that a long nightmare may be coming to an end and that, just maybe, very soon we can start focusing on dealing the predicaments that face us rather than being subjected to the implementation of a set of half baked theories designed, intentionally or not, to benefit the flashocracy.
In the meantime, here are some words from the Sixties from the wise and under valued Geoffrey Vickers:
“The appropriate attitude to our predicament, however fearful it may be, does not depend on our optimism or even on our hope. It was best expressed in the words of a member of the Connecticut Assembly in 1780, when proceeding were threatened by panic induced by a darkening of the sky so unprecedented as to suggest the arrival of a prophesied Judgement Day. He ruled – “Either this is the end of the world or it is not. If it is not, our business should proceed. If it is, I prefer to be found doing my duty. Let lights be brought.’
Let lights be brought. Not more power; but that much rarer, subtler, more demanding fruit of human spirit – more light.”
From “Freedom in a Rocking Boat”, page 125