It's a Given!
Mine, Mine, Mine and the Chaos that Ensues
In the quaint town of Reflectionville, the photograph of a cherubic baby planting its face into a birthday cake served as the unexpected catalyst for a chain of events that would shape the town's future.
As the years unfolded, the photograph, once a snapshot of innocent chaos, transformed into a symbol of programmatic selfishness. The inhabitants of Reflectionville, gripped by an insatiable pursuit of individual interests, gradually lost touch with their shared history. Memories faded like old photographs, the vibrancy of each moment dissipating into the ether of forgetfulness. The loss mirrored Plato's allegory of the cave, where the shadows of reality were all that remained.
Amid this collective amnesia, scavengers emerged from the shadows. Drawn by the scent of opportunities in the chaos, they descended upon the remnants of forgotten moments, claiming what remained. The town echoed with the deafening cry of "Mine, Mine, Mine," as possessions became the measure of worth, and chaos became the currency of daily life.
Amidst the tumult, an elder of Reflectionville, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of experience, offered a simple yet profound wish;
May you live all the days of your life.
— Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
In the heart of a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills and whispering forests, there existed a rhythm of life that seemed untroubled by the passage of time. With its cobblestone streets and rustic charm, the village was a haven for those who sought respite from the world’s ceaseless clamour. Here, under the gentle shade of an ancient oak tree, the town's philosopher, Old Elias, shared his wisdom.
"May you live all the days of your life," Elias would often say, his voice a soft echo amidst the rustle of leaves. His simple yet profound words became a mantra for the villagers, a reminder to cherish each moment.
As the sun cast its golden hues over the village, marking the end of another day, the townsfolk gathered around Elias. As he always did, he sat on a worn wooden bench, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of years gone by. The air was filled with blooming flowers and freshly baked bread, a testament to the village's simple pleasures.
"There was more to life than the relentless pursuit of possessions," Elias began, his gaze sweeping over the attentive faces before him. Young and old villagers listened intently, drawn to the tranquillity that enveloped his words.
"In our quest for more, we often forget the essence of our existence. We toil, we strive, yet we neglect the things that make life worth living – the joy of being, the beauty of the world around us, and the warmth of human connection."
His voice, though gentle, carried the weight of truth, stirring something deep within the hearts of his listeners. It was a truth they all knew but often forgot in the humdrum of daily life.
"During the chaos," Elias continued, "we lose sight of what truly matters. We become entangled in our desires, blind to the richness of life that lies beyond material gain."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, his eyes reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. The villagers sat in thoughtful silence, their minds wandering through the corridors of introspection.
Man is an animal that makes bargains: no other animal does this - no dog exchanges bones with another.
— Adam Smith (1723-1790)
The villagers nodded, their expressions a mix of contemplation and realization. Elias's words were not just observations but reflections of a truth that resonated with their own experiences.
As the evening drew close, the villagers dispersed, each carrying a piece of Elias's wisdom. They walked back to their homes, the philosopher's words echoing in their minds, a gentle reminder of the profound simplicity of life.
In the village, where time seemed to flow gently like a meandering river, Elias's teachings became a beacon, guiding the villagers toward a life of mindfulness and fulfillment. And in the heart of the village, under the ancient oak tree, the philosopher's voice continued to resonate, a timeless melody of wisdom and truth.
The atmosphere grew tense as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the dusty town square. The scavengers, driven by their insatiable desire for material gain, scoured the remnants of what was once a thriving community. Broken furniture, discarded heirlooms, and torn clothing were all fair game in their relentless hunt for possessions.
The lone voice that had risen above the clamour belonged to an elderly man named Elias. His voice, weathered by years of wisdom and experience, resonated with a quiet but unwavering authority. He stood atop a makeshift platform, his frail frame supported by a gnarled wooden cane. His eyes, clouded with age but still sharp, surveyed the crowd with sadness and conviction.
Elias's words served as a poignant critique of the self-centred bargains struck by the townspeople. He spoke of a time when unity and community had meant more than individual gain, when the future had been built on the foundation of shared dreams and a common purpose. His words challenged them to reflect on the consequences of their choices and to consider the cost of sacrificing their collective future for the fleeting pleasures of the present.
The scavengers continued their frenzied search for treasures, oblivious to Elias's message. They clawed through the remnants of their once-close-knit society, driven by a desperate need to claim whatever they could for themselves. Their actions were a stark contrast to the old man's quiet resolve.
Elias's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his voice steady as he delivered his final message. "The present is theirs," he said, his voice carrying over the tumult. "But the future, for which I worked, is mine." His words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the townspeople's choices and the legacy they were leaving behind.
The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.
— Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)
These words, spoken with conviction, marked a turning point. The speaker, a visionary among the chaos, sought to transcend the immediate turmoil and plant the seeds for a future less consumed by selfish desires. Elias, his voice unwavering, continued to implore the townspeople to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. His eyes, now filled with a glimmer of hope, met the gaze of those in the crowd who were beginning to question their choices.
As Elias's words hung in the air, a hushed tension settled over the square. It was a moment of reflection amidst the frenzy, a pause that allowed the townspeople to consider the weight of their decisions.
The square fell into a contemplative silence, punctuated only by the soft rustle of scavengers sifting through their newly acquired possessions. Elias and Isabella had sown the seeds of introspection. For a fleeting moment, the townspeople pondered their chosen path and the potential for a different, more harmonious future.
Do not let the memories of your past limit the potential of your future. There are no limits to what you can achieve on your journey through life, except in your mind.
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
The townsfolk, momentarily captivated by the words of the philosopher Elias, began to consider the weight of their past and its influence on their future. Undeterred by the chaos surrounding him, Elias persisted with another piece of advice.
Elias was known for his profound wisdom and ability to see beyond the immediate turmoil. He had seen the rise and fall of many towns, and his life's purpose was to guide people toward a more enlightened path. With a calm and reassuring presence, he began to share his insights.
"My friends," Elias began, his voice carrying over the hushed crowd, "we are all products of our past, shaped by our experiences and choices. But we must not let the past chain us to a destiny we no longer desire. If you find yourself in a place that no longer serves your well-being, it is crucial to leave it swiftly, to break free from the bonds that hold you back."
As he spoke, Elias's words resonated with the townspeople. They contemplated the moments in their lives when they had clung to the familiar, even when it was clear that change was necessary. Elias's advice urged them to let go of the past, to shed the burdens of regrets and mistakes, and to embrace a future untethered by the weight of their history.
In the distance, the scavengers continued their frenzied search for possessions, unaware of the profound conversation unfolding among their fellow townsfolk. Elias's presence and words ignited a spark of hope and self-reflection in the hearts of those gathered in the town square. The philosopher had become a guiding light in a time of darkness, showing them a path toward a future filled with possibility and newfound purpose.
I have learned that if you must leave a place that you have lived in and loved and where all your yesteryears are buried deep, leave it any way except a slow way, leave it the fastest way you can. Never turn back and never believe that an hour you remember is a better hour because it is dead. Passed years seem safe ones, vanquished ones, while the future lives in a cloud, formidable from a distance.
― Beryl Markham, West with the Night
His words cut through the confusion, challenging the townsfolk to break free from the shackles of their own making and embrace the potential of an unknown future.
The town stood at a crossroads, the chaos of the present colliding with the wisdom of those who dared to see beyond it. In that moment of reflection, a transformational journey began. The townspeople, grappling with the weight of their choices, started questioning the true value of possessions and their relentless pursuit's toll on their collective spirit.
Sensing a shift in the air, the scavengers paused in their plunder, momentarily captivated by the undercurrent of change. The townsfolk, no longer blinded by the chaos of their desires, began to recognize the potential for a different future that transcended the present's limitations.
The echoes of the elder's wish, the philosopher's observations, and the sage advice reverberated through Reflectionville, sparking conversations among the residents. Slowly, the town began to shed its cloak of chaos, and a newfound sense of unity emerged.
Inspired by the wisdom they had been offered, the townspeople initiated a collective effort to rebuild the communal bonds frayed by the pursuit of possessions. As the chaos subsided, a shared vision for the future took root, guided by selflessness, mutual respect, and a commitment to building a community that thrived on shared values.
There is something terribly wrong with a culture inebriated by noise and gregariousness.
— George Steiner (1929-2020)
The scavengers, no longer finding fertile ground for their opportunistic pursuits, faded into the background. The cries of "Mine, Mine, Mine" were replaced by the harmonious hum of a town working together towards a common purpose.
In the end, the photograph that had once symbolized the chaos of selfish desires now served as a reminder of the transformative journey Reflectionville had undertaken. Once on the brink of self-destruction, the town had found a way to navigate the complexities of human nature and emerge stronger, united by the collective wisdom that had guided them toward a brighter, shared future.
The planksip Writers' Cooperative is proud to sponsor an exciting article rewriting competition where you can win over $750,000 in prize money.
Figures of Speech Collection Personified
Our editorial instructions for your contest submission are simple: incorporate the quotes and imagery from the above article into your submission.
What emerges is entirely up to you!
Winners receive $500 per winning entry multiplied by the article's featured quotes. Our largest prize is $8,000 for rewriting the following article;
Heraclitus
At planksip, we believe in changing the way people engage; at least, that's the Idea (ἰδέα). By becoming a member of our thought-provoking community, you'll have the chance to win incredible prizes and access our extensive network of media outlets that will amplify your voice as a thought leader. Your membership truly matters!