Winston

Feel that invisible line marking the creation of a glorious future, and put a torch to a less-than-glorious past. You see it. But the past is never in reality as you remember it. And the future? Often less than glorious. Sometimes, far, far less.

At a time and space ahead, you will look back at your wake. Sure, ‘they’ could have adapted to your new “better” world… but you knew they wouldn’t. And as you judged them for being inflexible, opinionated and unfeeling. You slowly realize that in reality, this is you.

You console yourself that this is “all for the better”. But in fact, it’s all for convenience and comfort. Freedom is messy, and awkward. It is work, and requires accommodation. For the good of all, there must be rules. Order. Compliance. Conformity.

There will be no place for those that do not conform. Sure, you’ll half-heartedly provide some “limited freedoms”, as if liberty can or should be limited. As more chafe at these restrictions, and leave, you simply apply more restrictions. I’m sure you’re aware this will solve nothing, but it is the parable of the Scorpion and the Frog. It is in your nature.

You’ll feel much more comfortable when “the other” is finally, and completely removed from your presence. Whether it be walking the plank, or being thrown overboard, the unruly crew must be controlled. Even if it means emptying the ship. With your eyes focused on the horizon, and a calm sea beneath you, you will feel deceptively safe. But the ocean is deep, and the sky is vast. You ignore them at your peril.

I lament the timid souls that sail close to shore, taking the safest route. It seems like for a lifetime I have journeyed and encouraged exploration and bold discovery. I have suffered the indignities of scorn and derision from those that too afraid to even consider the world beyond their shores. That has never stopped me.

Even as you scorch the docks that have launched thousands of voyages of discovery, I ready my ship. I know that as I depart, I will have no dock to return to. The cothon you rebuild will not service modest ships piloted by brave explorers. Your new, glorious facility will be a monument to commerce and culture. Shining and bright. A ‘safe’ place for all ships to dock.
But that is not where ships belong.

I hope you occasionally question what you wish for. When you do get there, you may be very disappointed.