AI image.
Trust. Respect. Honour. Three now valiant words, once as common as every successful agreement fairly settled. Yes - there was such a bygone era! A now dwindling parcel of time travellers may recall a moment when unspoken words seemingly held the most meaning. A simpler epoch perhaps, when a completely different set of rules applied. Simpler.. that’s of course very subjective - for history too is equally stained by some of the more familiar concepts of greed, selfishness, bullying, slavery, racism, homophobia, xenophobia etc. For a brief moment nonetheless, a certain level of loyalty within any given community, still managed to flourish. An interval where a firm handshake meant more than the familiar greeting; the nod of an honest gentleman, so much more than a mere ‘yes’.
As with any other foreign concept, those not in ‘the know’, are somewhat reliant on those who are - for their own ‘knowing’. By recollection, their experiences serve to provide understanding for the ones lacking in the same. Ah, yes.. I vividly remember a generation whose promises collectively meant something; for them.. their word was indeed their bond. Breaking it was closely correlated with the degradation of their reputation in society; and such would undoubtedly have far reaching consequences, greatly impacting the lives of their loved ones. Though being tarred with the same brush is hardly fair.. it did mean that those closely associated, could potentially keep one another ‘in check’. Family and friends served as the first line of defence.
We live in a world today, where is not easy to trust anyone, yet many people still choose to blindly follow. With safety rails for our own behaviour evidently lacking, chaos has ensued. But it is in the darkness, where we may find the light; and for those who can see it, there is an opportunity to be more than the sum of our collective parts. We no longer exist in a period, where one needs to worry what others may think - when doing what’s right, is not socially embraced. The societal prejudices of old, could now theoretically be stamped out! - if only we decide to be brave enough, to allow the ember of compassion in our hearts to fully ignite. That is where honesty dwells. That is how we will make true friends; and learn that family is not dependent upon the blood we share, but rather the nod of those we trust.
Till next time,
ma3str0
