Eras

Expanding on my observations yesterday I got to thinking about the evolution of civilization.  It would appear that humanity can only get to a certain level of civilization before it stops and reverts in on itself.  What do I mean? 

       Greece, or more particularly Athens, reached a point of civilization that experienced a high level of education or the appreciation of knowledge.  An emphasis was placed on expanding knowledge which led to speculative philosophy on the nature of humanity.  Instead of reaching out to the general population society deteriorated into a battle ground.  Then the Renaissance period saw a resurgence of interest in education, knowledge and philosophy but once again the period fizzled out and became mundane.  There was another, stronger wave that saw education spread to the masses by the early 20^th century.  Now, when humanity in the Western world at least ought to be truly civilized into looking beyond the material world what do we find?  So much greed at the upper levels that it is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary mind.

       A very simple and brief observation is that mankind has the potential to be great and benign but there is always a serpent in the garden.  Even ordinary people with no hopes of true riches can be found who begrudge a simple luxury to someone perceived to be an outsider. 

       How can one eradicate personalities or mentalities such as Conrad Black or Donald Trump?  The former in particular is such a repulsive character that I am astonished that anyone would have anything to do with him.  I saw some news clips of him recently speaking in such an irrational manner to the interviewer that I wondered why any station would even bother to air it, particularly since he was out flogging his book.  Who would want to read anything from a man like that?

       People still continue to amaze me.