The Apocalypse

It seems that it is upon us, well at least we secretly hope that it is upon us. There was an interesting phenomena  in August of 1914. The outbreak of war between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, then the rapid response of Russia, then Germany/France and at last Great Britain, launched peaceful Europe roused a sleeping Europe. The last major war in Europe had been the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. For 45 years the continent had known peace...aside from some short but violent territorial adjustments in the Balkans in 1912-1913...and prosperity. The nations of the north were expanding, wealthy, secure, powerful. Two whole generations of people had avoided anything that might remotely resemble a earth shattering event. A dozen or so colonial wars that involved the professional armies only summed it up.

But little more than work and play for over 40 years. The region became so wealthy that its citizens could for the first time in a hundred years indulge themselves in all manner of political/economic/scientific theory. For the first time since the Autocratic governments of the past and the Roman Republic of the distant past men had the luxury to question all things. For wealth brings time and time is a luxury.

But in 1914 war broke out. The outpouring across Europe was mind boggling. Men flooded the streets celebrating the coming conflict. They rushed to the colors, to enlist, to join the great adventure. From Paris to St. Petersburg the European world erupted in joyful expectation of a break from the monotony of luxurious time.

This serves, I theorize, as a clue as to why so many people secretly long for something to happen on Friday, December 21. A break from the monotony. The west is steeped in wealth, we indulge ourselves in time's ecstasy and long for a break from the horrors of the mundane.

That and we play too many fantasy games.

Three more days by the Mayan Long Count, and this Baktun ends. What will you do on Saturday the beginning of the new Long Count?