I am familiar with the saying that those who do not learn from their past are doomed to repeat it. But as I stand on this precipice of time, I see that this is a new place in time for this generation. It is true that we should study history and learn from those who have gone before us so that we don’t make the same mistakes. This concept should enhance our living and improve our culture…right?
So is it that we, as a society, are not learning from our past or could it be that some of this stuff is new? Allow me to move this from a social level to a personal level. Personally, I am living in unfamiliar waters. I look at my father’s successes and his failures and try to learn from them. However, there are many dynamics that make my situation a lot different from his…I think. Then I begin to wonder, “Is this true or is this thinking just another form of denial so I can make my choices with the justification that I’m different and there is no reference point?”
I am currently inclined to believe this place I am in is new; at least it is to me. I have never been here before. I also have to admit that I don’t know what I ‘m doing! There was a time I tried to pretend but, not anymore. What’s the point? I think it is clear to those around me. Besides time spent pretending that I know what I am doing in life is lost time, shameful pride and wasted energy. It is becoming clear to me that the time I use to interview those older than myself is time well spent.
So, as I educate myself for where I am in life, I am learning this lesson: Those who are older than me and who have similar circumstances are my greatest resource. I intend to use their knowledge to my benefit. I intend to avoid some of life’s heartaches by using this process. What do I have to lose? I think I would be just plain foolish not to.
