Utopia

I once read a book when I was an English major at Marquette titled Utopia. It was written in the 1500's, I believe, by a guy named Thomas More. It had a lot of weird little societal quirks and notions in it. Some of which led to modern-day communism. But what I was most drawn to was More's ideas around vocation. How people pursued their careers and how happy it made them. Essentially, in Utopia there was no sense of commerce. No capitalism. And thus, there wasn't any greed. For example, one character was a physician. He lived in a common house on a common street. No country club status. And, here's the kicker, he was sincerely happy. People "made a living" in Utopia by doing what they really wanted to. In fact, they really did "make a living." There's a gal here at work who just loves to bake. She does it every weekend and brings wonderful cakes, brownies, or cookies to the office every Monday morning. If she is on vacation or is traveling on business and misses a week, people wander around looking lost and stare empty eyed into their coffee. I just know that she would love to "make her living" at baking things for people. There's also another gal who should be a personal trainer. She's a dynamo. And there's a guy who is a pastor at a small church every weekend. I've heard him preach a few times. He has the gift, that's for sure. Now, each one of these colleagues is very good at the place I work. Don't get me wrong. Exceptional, in fact. But what makes me sad is that our Walmart world has diverted them away from what they are naturally good at and greatly enjoy. My wife believes that "work is work" and you come home to, well, a home where you can unwind and do what you really like to do. I disagree. I really wish we lived in a society where most people felt open and secure enough to pursue and do what they really want to do -- without the shackles of making enough to "live" on. I truly believe that we would all live longer. And be happier in general. But maybe society is only in its infancy. And we'll outgrow capitalism. Maybe we need a few more centuries to really grow up ... and mature. (If we don't kill one another beforehand.) In More's book, Utopia was a far-off land. But maybe, just maybe, it isn't about where Utopia takes place but when.

Why rabbits?

I saw a rabbit just outside our back window this morning as I was making breakfast for everyone who had yet to wake up. I sat there and watched him (let's assume he was a he) eating grass. Or clover. Or whatever rabbits eat from my yard. I then thought, "Why did God create rabbits?" I mean, they really don't have any significance on the whole ecological chain thing. Sure, some animals and people (mostly in Appalachia) eat them. Some use their feet for good luck. (Which is weird.) I then thought even deeper and wondered what this rabbit was thinking. Or feeling. Contentment from eating? Feeling the dew on the grass? Basking in the morning sun? Yeah, maybe. He obviously was oblivious to this "higher intelligence" staring at him through the window. He really didn't care. Of course, had God never created rabbits there would be no Easter Bunny. No Energizer Rabbit. No Peter Cottontail. But that wasn't God's plan. What was God's plan for rabbits is beyond my understanding. It then occurred to me that perhaps I was oblivious to God's staring at me. Smiling. Yeah, maybe. But it did feel good to be between rabbits and God. And it was really nice to see him and realize he's nearby. I believe he lives underneath my back porch.

The rabbit, I mean.

I think most people are boring.

Try not to internalize this, being a person and all. But you might agree with me. I really believe that society has succumbed to an attitude of privilege, entitlement and nauseating sameness. Which is boring, if you really think about it. We aspire to be different, yet we are all followers. We cherish individuality, but we still look to others for acceptance. Society is one big dull audience. Sad but true.

So, be different. Try painting. Write a poem. Learn a to speak Portuguese. Start something brand new. Break a bunch of rules. Make up your own rules. Change the world while you're at it. And please, please, please, stop being boring.

First, an apology.

I'd like to start this blog by apologizing. To Sam Walton. It really has nothing to do with the little five-and-dime store that he founded decades ago. Really. I am merely borrowing the name to describe and write about the era I live in. And to title this blog. Truth be told, it wasn't the first title I had chosen. Nor the second. Or eighth. Although they were all very creative options, they were all taken by other bloggers at Blogspot. Sort of a testimonial to our world if you really think about it. As is this blog. The theme? Observations I have had over the years. Some deep. Some superficial. Some might offend. Some might get you to think. Some might even be entertaining. Maybe.

So to Sam, your family and employees, I am sorry. Really.

I think you'd understand.