Defining the Future

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inThe Gift of DaysTags:

“Study the past if you would define the future.” 
Confucius

 The Future

Throughout the centuries, June 28th has given us historical moments that defined our present.

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Alexander, the Great was born on this day in 356BC

“We are, by the sufferance of God, King of England; and the Kings of England in times past never had any superior but God.”  King Henry VIII was born on this day in 1491.

“Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains. Those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they.”  Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born today in 1712.

“We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They do not exist.” Queen Victoria was crowned in Westminster Abbey today in 1838 

“Shot heard ‘round the world” that led to WWI.  Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his wife, were assassinated today in 1914.

Today, June 28, 2013, there are events that are occurring throughout our global world that will define the future.  Looking back, we can see seemingly unimportant decisions and acts had an exponential impact on humanity’s timeline. It would be interesting to know how  generations yet to come will consider our contribution to their past.

 

 

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

33 thoughts on “Defining the Future”

  1. I like your posts very much. You are so well organised. Though you must be having lot of things on your hand I like the impression you radiate that you have so much time and yet you are so organised. You have 25 hours. Today I also started following you on Pinterest.

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    1. I heard that Pres Obama met with the Mandala family, I have been thinking especially of your country today. 🙂

      The greatest glory in living
      lies not in never falling,
      but in rising every time we fall.”
      ― Nelson Mandela

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    1. One thing about humanity – we are rather chatty. We like to express ideas. And then, for better and worse,some act on them. I have been thinking a lot lately – why do we maginalize our lives by thinking that what we do will have no bearing on others or history? Why do we think only the “greats” change destiny. I often think of think of Colette…

      What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.”
      ― Colette

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      1. I think that in recent times, the problems of the world have become too overwhelming to even contemplate, so people who may have been motivated to try to change things just give up and slide into apathy.

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      2. I agree wholehearted. You have touched on something that I have been looking into over the past couple of months. We are facing with what is called “wicked problems.” If you look it up, a wicked problem is defined as problems that are complex, even impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory, and changing requirements that are often difficult to distinguish or understand. There are many obvious examples – global economy, political unrest, environment crisis, increasing poverty. These are huge problems, certainly beyond the scope of an individual. Wicked problems cannot be solved in traditional ways. It will take a collaborative approach – not only the great and powerful – but individuals who make commitments. For example, several years ago our family moved to the city centre to avoid a long commute. I was able to walk to work. We have one car and only drive it when absolutely necessary. And you have made a commitment as well. Your blog is about sharing knowledge and experience. You encourage people to explore new ideas, and embrace cultures. To me, the power of one can move to the power of 10 and 10,000 and so on…

        “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
        ― Albert Einstein

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  5. June 28; a very important date indeed, it would seem. And,it is interesting to wonder, of all the events which will take place today, which ones will be remembered or considered significant in years to come.

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    1. Oh, yes!! That is the question that entered my mind when I was bringing all the quotes together. Humanity has an extraordinary way of remembering events as legends that borders on mythology. Think of Joan of Arc, Homer’s Troy etc. And we love to give reverence to those who stand out for their great deeds of courage, artistic endeavor and science. But I think most change and influence comes from those without fame or glory, choosing to live with integrity and courage, to raise sons and daughters to take their place, to build a community and work to bring about better outcomes. We will never know their story, but we live in a world they created. Everyone makes a difference…

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      1. Everyone does make a difference and perhaps with the internet more of those ordinary stories are being recorded and valued. As a whole or a group we are making larger movements that will later be seen as important; already we talk of the internet revolution.

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      2. This came home to me when I read the post about your mother – you included one of her journal entries. A powerful affirmation of a life well lived….

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      3. Why yes, I guess that so… and within that simple story there is another greater story about the journey of the written word through the ages and its transference to a new technology.

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    1. Thank you so much, my dear friend. As you know. I look back in history to find the parallels within our age. To me, progress is about the conversation of seeking peaceful outcomes. That is why I really appreciate your journey. 🙂

      “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
      ― Edmund Burke

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  8. Oh Rebecca, sorry for being critical, but I couldn’t take Henry VIII’s words, in my opinion, it was “blasphemy” of God’s name. Henry VIII was a notable “murderer”, his 6 marriages, and how he killed his wife (and wives), he left the world a very brutal reputation; even his “incorrect” motive behind turning England from Catholic into Protestant aroused disputes after these many years (as certain historian suggested he aimed for a divorce in order to marry Anne Boleyn, since Catholic Church wouldn’t have allowed a divorce)…. I read his history quite some years ago, I could miss something, but you may like to explore his brutality and to assess if his quote told something or only lies and hypocrisy!

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    1. Ah, that is the point! His actions were indeed despicable, but they occurred and changed forever the history of the world. History is a cautionary tale, where compassion and hope were tested with fire and violence. It reminds me that what we do today, will affect someone else. Our choices must therefore be made with great care. One of my favourite authors is J.R.R. Tolkien, who lived through WWI and lost many of his friends.

      “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
      “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
      ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

      Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments! You give my day a special brightness!!!

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  10. We think what we do now will not affect us in the future but it will, sometimes we loose time so precious and then when we are older we will regret it. We also think we will not make a difference in the world but we do. Like always great post and photo! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Sunshine in Vancouver – we’ll be celebrating Canada Day! I agree – we think that our lives are too small to make a significant contribution. If we can encourage only one person in our lives, that is enough… 🙂

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