NEWS
THERE ’ S NO BETTER TIME
It ’ s an excellent time to push personal boundaries
In 2012 , mathematician Peter Turchin published an article in the Journal of Peace titled ‘ Dynamics of political instability in the United States , 1780 – 2010 ’. In this , Turchin posited that every 50 years , turbulent instability arises in the United States and creates shockwaves around the world : 1870 , 1920 , 1970 and now 2020 . In the article , the battle for community equality takes great leaps forward , which has been apparent through the large backing for the Black Lives Matter movement .
However , what Turchin did not predict was a worldwide pandemic , ravenous bushfires , and countless other tragedies .
Predictions are one thing , as they allow us to weather the incoming storm . However , no matter how much we prepare , we will never be fully ready . But what we fail to prepare for , we can adapt and grow to . These are the two sides of the coin . Instead of fretting on what we could have done differently , we can now firmly grasp these arduous times , and bend them to our will .
It may be an oversimplification to say that everyone on this spinning blue marble feels that this year has been a write-off , but I believe that as this earth continues to spin , we all still have the ability to make the most of every day . This , to me , is the greatest gift of all .
As a community , we owe it to ourselves to continue to advance as much as we can . Every person in the community is a uniquely crafted cog that churns in this big machine of interlinked relationships . To grow as a community , we need to stay educated as a community . Looking at the state of America : the media may have gone quiet about the protests in cities such as Portland , but the burning soul of the people marching still burns bright . Yet we should also have the ability to educate ourselves on our own issues with race and class inequality in Australia , as these matters continue to dodge our headlines but exist in our communities .
The ability to grasp this free time is truly a blessing in disguise ; free time to learn that new skill , improve on that one ability , maybe get around to reading that one dust-covered book . New skills and hobbies allow us to connect on a deeper level as a community .
New skills and education extend to better mental health , greater satisfaction with day-to-day experiences , and more . These things are what allow us to live in a sense , to move away from the idea of a ‘ slow burn ’. To no longer become the person who wishes to lie in the river of mediocrity and float down it , into the mouth of simplified gratification .
Look to challenge and educate yourself in this moment and push personal boundaries ; showcase your ability to adapt and thrive in these exigent times . Because what else is the human race , if not a large collection of interlinking cells continuing to adapt and thrive in times of adversity .
LACHLAN PALAMARA – SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARIAN
26 Great Scot Issue 160 – September 2020