The BreadBasket Glimpses

"When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion - when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing - when you see money flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors - when you see that men get richer by graft and pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against you - when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming self-sacrifice - you may know that your society is doomed." Ayn Rand - Atlas Shrugged

Only one who is completely unobservant in the world would not recognize the symptoms described in the quote as present and active everywhere. They have been everywhere in almost all societies since the beginning. I wonder: what makes the words more appropriate for today than for any previous time in our history? Although I have read Ayn Rand and have great respect for her intellect, my penchant toward the world today does not lean in her cynical direction. Do we not also see the generosity of those who “give back” to their communities? The philanthropy of those who love their fellow man? The service of those who sacrifice beyond their own needs? The compassion of everyday people to make the world a better place? And when we see these things, do they lead us toward feelings and predictions of doom? These are symptoms of hope and they have also been present everywhere since the beginning. In my mind they lead us to hope for the future.

Cynicism and hope are twin sisters of society.

But, this is not a dynamic between a pessimistic versus optimistic view of the world. It’s like political true-believers on each side of an issue, where on one side we find waving signs that proclaim “The World is Doomed!” and on the other signs that insist “The Best is Yet to Come!” Both of these sign wavers are as perennial as the grass and will always be with us. Both are right … and wrong. I am not among either of them but sometimes I find my feet are on both sides of the street.

I’m a realist. The world is not perfect. Perfection is an ideal to which we can strive, but what each of us believes is embodied by such a lofty goal differs widely. Our values, beliefs and attitudes often divide us. Therefore, we will likely strive for divergent forms of “perfection.”

So, what is it for which we can strive that is consistent with differing values, beliefs and attitudes? Context. We unanimously strive for a common agreed upon context within which we each may find our individual and unique, ever-evolving “perfection.” What is contained in that context? Clean water. Reliable, sustainable and nourishing food supplies. Safe Homes. Affordable Health systems that emphasize health and keep us out of clinics and hospitals: and, when or if needed, clinics and hospitals that are institutions of healing. Then, within this common context, striding between the fears of doom and the exhilaration of hope, we pursue the “perfection” we desire.

Isn’t this what Rotary does?

I’d like to see your comments on the ROTI list.

Jon in Alaska