One day, a grandfather was having a conversation with his grandson.
And the boy said: “Tell me, grandpa, I don’t understand, why adults find it too hard to accept us, young generations, with our smartphones and technological gadgets, you see the world is changing anyway.”
The grandfather thought for a while before he replied and then he said, “Let me tell you a story…
One day, a Tree said to the Reed that was growing at its foot, “Hi, little one, why do you not plant your feet deeply in the ground, and raise your head boldly in the air as I do?”
“I may not be so grand, but I think I am safer,” said the Reed.
When the wind blew, the great Tree stood proudly upright with its hundred arms uplifted to the sky. But the Reed bowed low in the wind and sang happy songs.
“You have reason to cry and not to sing happy songs,” said the Tree. “The slightest breeze that ruffles the surface of the water makes you bow your head, while I, the mighty Tree, stand upright and firm before the howling tempest.”
The boy stopped his grandpa and said:
“WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!
I think I understand, the Tree represents the old and strong traditions and generations, whereas the Reed represent the younger generations – is that correct, grandpa?”
“Yes, dear boy!“
“And is this how the story ends?” asked the boy.
“Well, not really. So the Reed replied: “Do not worry about me and my friends, the winds do not harm us. We bow before them and so we do not break. You, in all your pride and strength, have so far resisted the wind. But the end is coming,” and the Reed and his friends challenged the wind to grow stronger.
“What end?” asked the boy.
“If the end is coming, it is coming on us all. Can’t you see it?” replied the tree. As the Tree spoke a great wind rushed out of the north. The Tree stood proudly and fought against the storm, while the yielding Reeds bowed low. The wind grew in fury and hit the Tree and all at once the great Tree fell, torn up by the roots,” said grandfather in a sad voice.
“It was a beautiful Tree, I am sure,” said the boy trying to cheer his grandpa.
“Well, it was indeed, young boy. You see when the winds of progress are blowing too strong and too fast all they leave behind is a complete disaster. I worry, you see, maybe that Tree was too proud, but Reeds have no values, whenever the wind blows, they bend. They have no unique personality, no strength, no strong roots, no beautiful fruits, and if one bends the rest will follow.”
“But I am only a child, grandpa,” said the boy and added, “and no one can control the winds – can we?”
THE END
“Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change”
Although the lyrics of the song “Wind Of Change” by the Scorpions seem optimistic, it is for us to make sure that these won’t turn into an uncontrolled storm. The question remains – can we?
As we join together, forming networks of human concern about the future, we will find the strength and wisdom needed to create a better future for all.
Raising humanity on a new path
It all starts with YOU!
With playful regards,
Galorian
