In our country the pioneer spirit is manifested in a number of ways. Certainly the Jamestown Settlement and the Plymouth Pilgrims exhibited their willingness to stretch beyond the familiar for either economic or spiritual reasons. Both motivations were anchored in their desires to be free. In Jamestown it was an urge for economic independence, and their fellow sojourners to the north sought to practice their faith unhindered by a government church. Pioneers have forged new paths in our nation from the beginning and have continued to do so until the present time.
Nearly everyone is familiar with the westward expansion undertaken by brave, hardy souls who sought new opportunities and the freedom to maneuver. Such names as Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett (see www.littlestuff-minoosha.blogspot.com for 3/16/2011 “Bring Back Davy.”) became legends in their own times because of their daring and resourcefulness. Other pioneers and visionaries established towns, created new businesses for the growing nation or struggled to emancipate a significant portion of our population from the scourge of slavery. The liberty that was promised to the people of the United States of America by the Founders and the Framers propelled a nation of people to trek to new places, try new enterprises and dare to follow mighty dreams. The dreamers were not limited to the people who harnessed horse, mule or oxen to seek new vistas and greater opportunities.
The Henry Fords, Thomas Edisons and Andrew Carnegies were visionaries who sought to tame wildernesses of raw materials by converting them into strong useful products for a growing vigorous nation. There were others who dared to go west or create industrial powerhouses, but they may have failed. Their anonymity was assured by their lack of success, but their spirits and determination helped make the nation stronger and more prosperous. Willingness to fail is a critical component for achieving success. Our present population has been robbed of the opportunity to fail because Big Government protects “the poor” and the “too big to fail.” Those policies undermine the “can do” determination of individuals and groups who refuse to be denied. If someone manages to escape the Nanny State’s helping hand, the massive web of regulations, rules and laws create a monstrous barrier to overcome.
Within the past century pioneers have flourished. Walt Disney overcame two sputtering missteps to launch a massive creative enterprise on the shoulders of two mice---Steamboat Willy and Mickey Mouse. Massive strides have been gained in the computing and communication fields by entrepreneurs and “garage mechanics” who constantly sought better ways, better games and more efficient hardware. Our small handheld telephones have become virtual communication centers because visionaries have expanded the uses (apps) and reach of the micro-consoles. Have you detected a subtle shift in the past few decades…our innovations have become more leisure and entertainment oriented? True, the Smart Phones, i-phones and other technological marvels do expand the capacity of the business world to provide service or stay abreast of fast-paced economic information, but they also allow more personal long-distance phone calls, movie viewing, game playing and web surfing during the work day. They have given us more power to understand and control our environment, but have exponentially increased our distractions.
It is unclear to me when this paradigm shift began. When our pioneering spirit was transformed from a quest for solitude and liberty into a necessity for constant engagement, entertainment and distraction. Personally, I have been frequently chided for failing to answer my cell phone when others were attempting to reach me…often for minor reasons. The tone of the caller’s voice suggested that I was at fault because I wasn’t available to answer the call and consider their requests. When I work outside on our little farmette or perform tasks in the shop and barn, I do not carry the phone. Safety and solitude are more important to me than some rather insignificant conversation with someone who desires my time or my money.
Also, during those rare moments when I am deep in thought, I do not carry my phone into the office so that I am not distracted by someone else’s agenda. My quiet moments of contemplation are precious for me, and I am hesitant to interrupt them for meaningless chatter. I find the cell phone especially annoying when I am driving because so many loons are navigating tons of lethal steel that I believe my attention should be laser-focused on the next threat on the highway. Was it Thomas Edison who extended the night by developing the incandescent bulb or Thomas J. Watson’s development of the massive computer that eventually was miniaturized to the point of becoming a home and pocket necessity? Even my beloved coffeepot is computerized….fast, consistent and necessary.
Maybe I should re-title this piece as “Westward Whoa!” because we must recapture time for thoughtful reflection. We must have “down time” for recharging our batteries, reconnecting with others in our households, and re-establishing a meaningful relationship with our Creator and his messianic Emissary. For visions and the pioneering spirit to be meaningful and contributory, the visionaries and pioneers must jealously guard those precious moments for quiet reflection, or all of our “new” developments will distract and weaken us. Yes, it’s true I am a Luddite……gladly and wistfully.
Comment: cearlwriting@hotmail.com
Tue. & Wed., 6-7:00pm, 1370 WSPD, Toledo. www.wspd.com
No comments:
Post a Comment