Aging is inevitable and, in time, can begin to color one’s perception of life itself. I have been blessed with a happy existence. Whatever mistakes I made, the next steps seem to have brought me new joy. I have such positive memories of even some trying times because they facilitated changes that ultimately were to my benefit.
Who would think that my serious pursuit of the priesthood for eight years would yield so little fruit! I lasted only six years as a priest! Admittedly, those years were at times very exciting, sometimes productive, but always pushing me forward to the point of realizing that I would not survive as a priest.
And then, I started a new life with Joan, a gift so disproportionate to any reasonable expectation. Now looking forward to our 50th Wedding Anniversary, I can only hold her, our children and grandchildren with awe!
My joy is tempered by looking into the future. What I see makes my being old seem like an unexpected gift. I know that my perception of the state of affairs for my grandchildren is minimally jaundiced by the my negative perception of the state of our national politics with so many similarities in European national affairs.
My discouragement resulting from the current level of national alienation from any level of moderation is compounded by my understanding of what can be expected to develop in the next 30 years.
My perception of the future is based on the many articles and books that keep me occupied. I owe nothing to my originality.
As I see it, then, the world of 2050 will be significantly altered by artificial intelligence (AI). Not only will be there be less need of people to work since so much will be driven by AI, I am distressed by the national leadership that seems not only unable to start to address the needs of such a society, but is seriously undermining the common good. To live in a society where so many will not be needed to achieve a commensurate common good will demand creative changes in our national ethos.
At the moment, the division in our national politic is enormous. I have been unable to converse openly about my understanding of our situation. Moreover, I can not look elsewhere for hope. At the moment, Ireland appears to be the only western nation that seems to have incorporated economic growth with national well-being.
I can hope that someone will emerge with the political power to advocate for some sort of universal basic income (UBI) that will provide sufficient support to enable citizens to “live” if they are not able to achieve positions that society needs to function.
Our educational system is broken. Unless one lives in wealthy communities that support the intellectual needs to function in our current and future society, the hope for an appropriate education may be shattered by the reality that the system is inadequate by virtue of the lack of funds to support the needs of the students.
Our social well-being is being eroded by internet that supports so many vehicles for people to avoid personal interaction. Society needs personal relationships that meet the human needs of being respected and loved. I realize that I am one of those dependent on internet for my need for information as well as communication. As I write this blog, I am aware that I can share this perspective personally with very few.
My life experience has been precious. I am thankful for the opportunities as well as the gifts that enabled me to experience such a wonderful life that I would hope could be had by the younger generation typified by my grandchildren.
