Judith Rice The Chinese have a saying.. May you live in interesting times. I am not sure if it was a curse or a blessing, but I stopped the other day, thinking about all that is going on in this world and realized, Indeed, I do live in interesting times. I have the computer, can talk with people around the world, have access to information at speeds never before seen. I have witnessed wars, and violence at unprecedented levels, I have seen education at levels that surpass the old levels each year. I can sit down in the comfort of my own home and watch people in India, in South America, I can go online and chat with people from just about anywhere. I can eat foods from any part of the earth, and go to my local market and purchase fruits that would never grow in this country.. eat fish from halfway around the world, and purchase spices and clothes from far away lands. I have seen men on the moon, and rockets to mars, and watched starving children. Indeed, I live in interesting times.
But the sobering thought I had, while thinking this, is that living in interesting times has given me some wisdom I would never have gained in any other way. Wisdom to know that living gentle on the earth, in balance, in small groups, eating locally, walking or riding a bike to visit others. Perhaps utilizing some renewable energy sources that do not destroy the earths balance.. Indeed, I live in interesting times
I have felt the loneliness only a person who lives in large cities as we have can feel. I have seen lonely people hungry on the streets while others celebrate a banquet where more food will be thrown away than is eaten.. I have seen mankind lock up animals just to be viewed by others, children taken from their mothers and sold to childless couples to adopt, I have seen weather changed, and earths resources raped... Indeed I live in interesting times
And while I am grateful to have lived in interesting times, I am more grateful for the knowledge it had offered me... and I will do my best to guide others to live in a simpler calmer, more loving and balanced lifestyle. I do not know if it can be done, but I am grateful to have the opportunity to have a vision far greater than I would have had if I did not live in interesting times..
And I will say to you.....
May you live in interesting times my friend.. because that is how we learn.