There is this little fable about a spider that starved because its web was too wide. It starved not because it wouldn’t have been able to reach the far end of its web but because it got confused by the sheer mass of incoming signals. It just couldn’t differentiate between important and unimportant anymore.
Parallels?
Anyone?
Nowadays we can easily access all the knowledge of the world with a few clicks -and we are stunned. Incapable of understanding the mass of information flooding our brains, and so we restrict ourselves to things we can get a hold of, TikTok movies, cat memes, and conspiracy theories. Our filters haven’t adapted yet -and probably never will- to the mass of input.
Instead of “50 shades of gray” it’s “B&W” again, even worse not “Black AND White”, but “Black VS. White.”
The foe of my foe is my friend.
This odd dogma that brought once so much misery into this world is suddenly back again.
I saw it coming
I didn’t react.
I know now is the time for action -still I do nothing.
What will I answer when children will ask: “What did YOU do to prevent this mess?”
The same question a friend of mine asked his grandfather, not knowing that he had been working for the Reichsbahn (Nazi trains) and drove trains to Auschwitz.
Sometimes you get an answer you don’t want to hear.
I wonder, which train we all drive to the place of doom.
And still, I don’t take action, other than writing a post that will be forgotten tomorrow.
Itsy Bitsy Spider!
My net is too wide.
Reblogged this on Nelsapy.
Your concern is important, and I ask the same question. I don’t have a clear answer, either. I find myself overwhelmed all too frequently with the weight of too many worries and concerns, and I don’t often know how to focus my support. I am able to identify agencies addressing climate change and local environmental affairs, and I never feel like I do enough. The spider and web analogy is outstanding!
I always loved the spider analogy, it’s actually a German or an Austrian children’s book. You are supportive and engaged in something you believe in, that’s more than many will ever do.
I am proud of you.
Writing about an important issue that concerns us all, regardless of which side we’re on, IS one way of taking action. Finding common ground with those who share a different world view is a major step forward. I narrow my net by building connections with a small and diverse group of individuals. I’ve found that we humans share much more in common than we realize. Don’t stop sharing your vision and story. It is an act of courage and openness with the power to change minds and hearts.
Rosaliene, thank you so much. I do believe we need to take actions. I wish I would be younger, but then I would be busy chasing a career or similar.
Your comment moved me.
I wish I had something profound to reply, but all I can say is I’ve been feeling similar. And I know others in my own workplace have been feeling the same. Its hard to keep a balanced outlook. But don’t stop using your voice, even if you feel it’ll be “forgotten tomorrow.” You never know who you might inspire.
Knowing that others feel the same way is all I need. Sometimes I wonder if I am still ‘normal.’ Why am I so bothered by what is going on and others aren’t? So you had something profound to say. 🙂
Haha, you have a good point. Just being honest might be the most profound thing! I’m glad you’ve found a few of us to reassure you that you’re not abnormal. And I forgot to say in my first comment that your story example is very effective and accurate in my opinion.
Sometimes I do make good points. 🙂
I share your guilt and blame Bridget. Things become so overwhelming that we begin to believe our words and deeds will have nil effect and thus we do nothing!
I am glad I won’t be able to read the history books in 50 or 100 years. 🙂
Such a profound use of the story. Each of us has such a narrow sphere of influence
So true, but we never know who we might inspire by just talking -or writing.
Yes
How to react? Which train to drive? I know that I simply ignore cat memes (and others of their ilk) and conspiracy theories. Reaction 1. Reaction to the strange (to me) attitudes that prevail in some sectors of society – and living in a university town, I find they are very real – is one I haven’t yet come to grips with other than to be pleased I have retired and do not have to kow-tow to some of the demands made of others. The trouble is, I have seen – and know of – too many people who have tried to right wrongs, or to be a voice of reason, crushed and bruised through social media. So, I too am at the railway station, still watching the trains go by and hoping there is one heading in the right direction.
I understand and know what you mean. One hopes we can find our way and not be caught up in our webs.
I am not so sure we can but I hope so.