Visioning for the Future

and anchoring it into the now

I love this moment on The Big Bang Theory when Penny corrects Amy Farrah-Fowler, who has just mentioned Star Trek. “Star Wars. They get all cranky when you mix the two up.” Amy asks her what the difference is, and Penny’s reply is “There is absolutely no difference.” I’m enough of a geek myself to be familiar with both series and know the difference, which makes the joke funnier.

The thing is, while there is violence in both of these fictional worlds, I find Star Wars to be darker, more brutal. Unfortunately, that seems to be the direction our society is heading into. One where not every sentient being is at the same level of available resources. I’d rather that we figure out our technology such that every person on the planet has the basic human needs met, Star Trek-style.

We already have the capacity to feed, house, care for, and clothe everyone, if we use our resources wisely. There’s truly no need to fight over who gets to live and who doesn’t based on outdated beliefs and where you happen to be born. We are all human beings. We are all of value. Those who are in the mode of judging others to be less worthy of life than they are - well, it’s time to change modes. That never ends well. How many times do we have to repeat the lesson? Because the universe seems well-prepared to continue to try and enlighten us.

The entire “fight for supremacy” thing is so 20th century. Let’s change our ways. What is it that you would like to see? I’d like education centers where learners of all ages can come to read, listen to and give lectures, use laboratories, access useful resources, and be part of a community of shared ideas, solutions, and creativity.

I am thankful for libraries, bookstores, coffee shops, art galleries, and public parks that everyone can enjoy. I love Nature and want there to be wild spaces for critters and adventures. I’d like to see everyone housed safely and fed well. I’d like for there to be universal health care, for certain - anyone who can truly say that that’s a bad idea, well, again, check yourself.

I’d like our compassion to vastly outweigh our greed. I’d like everyone to be and love and create freely, with safety and prosperity. I want us all to thrive. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

That’s what’s on my mind today. You did ask, right?

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