The landscape of Historical, Science Fiction, and Fantasy ficiton is littered with stories set 'after the golden age.' The old Republic in the Star Wars saga, Asimov's Empire in the Foundation series, Niven and Pournelle's 1st Empire of Man in 'the Mote in God's Eye' and 'King David's Spaceship' are a few examples. Characters invariably look wistfully back to those times, as their great deeds, great accomplishments, and greater knowlege has since been lost.
In the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, North American commentators repeatedly announced the end of the 'Golden Age.'
With all it's warts, and all our current troubles we are still living in a Golden Age. Are you unemployed in Germany? Going through a divorce in California? Your kid's are in court?
In a recent movie, a mentally ill character played by Jack Nicholson posed the questions, "What if this is as good as it gets?" I thought that was a little pessimistic. But I loved what his character did in the wake of that question. I was so impressed when he became less self-absorbed, and took an active interest in his role in the lives of his friends. With all it's warts, and all our current troubles we are still living in a Golden Age.
I don't want to be like the characters in those books I mentioned, looking fondly back at the past. I'd rather have those feelings now, when I think about my family, and my life now.
The here and now is the only here and now you have. What are you doing with yours?
