“The foundation of morality on the human sentiments of what is acceptable behavior versus repulsive behavior has always made morals susceptible to change. Much of what was repulsive 100 years ago is normal today, and — although it may be a slippery slope — what is repulsive today is possible to be normal 100 years into tomorrow; the human standard has always been but to push the envelope.” – Criss Jami, Healology
A journalist friend, speaking to the current situations in state and federal government, commented, “it’s like a pendulum, it eventually swings back.”
I have a cool scar on one eyebrow from being thwacked in the face with a flying swing in elementary school. It was a good lesson in physics: the harder something swings to one side the more momentum it will have when it eventually swings back the other way, just as far.
Humans are incredibly prideful creatures. When we’re convinced we’re right about something we pound a stake in the ground and claim it for the proverbial kingdom, for all time. Think of the wars that have been waged over opinions and perceptions eventually proven false, and yet, we’re just self-absorbed enough to believe that we know all, see all, understand all, and that everyone who comes after us will adopt exactly the same interpretation.
Whether you’re a parent or a politician, or a leader of any kind, it would be wise to remember that our time on the planet is remarkably brief. Our time in authority and leadership is even shorter.
The more extreme the stance we take while we are “in power,” the more likely those who succeed us will zig where we’ve zagged and go to the opposite end of the spectrum. As with the above quote, “the human standard has always been but to push the envelope.”
It’s good to remember that as we create policies, espouse ideologies, and attempt to leave a legacy. However far we swing to one extreme or another is likely the exact opposite of what those who come after us will do.
Better, perhaps, to stake a claim firmly in the center and hold our ground there. That way, when the pendulum swings back, we’re less likely to get smacked upside the head with it.
