The beginning of the 20th century could be marked on a calendar as beginning on the same day that marked the beginning of the 19th, 18th and 17th centuries — January 1st. Eras in history begin asymmetrically against the turn of the decades. The 1970s, for example, are an era of time that can be measured in days, but also against broader political and cultural trends. Those trends begin and end proximate to the passages that we denote as significant milestones. We tend to attach eras of time to culture and political movements that come to also include the music, literature, art, philosophy and counterculture of the time. For example, the 1960s of protest, Haight-Ashbury, Woodstock and Chicago took place at the end of the decade. The zeitgeist of the era splashed into the 1970s at Kent State, but that decade was more remembered for Watergate than Vietnam.
Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space: “For me, the most ironic token of [the first human moon landing] is the plaque signed by President Richard M. Nixon that Apollo 11 took to the moon. It reads: "We came in peace for all Mankind." As the United States was dropping 7 ½ megatons of conventional explosives on small nations in Southeast Asia, we congratulated ourselves on our humanity. We would harm no one on a lifeless rock.”
Carl Sagan: “A blade of grass is a commonplace on Earth; it would be a miracle on Mars. Our descendants on Mars will know the value of a patch of green. And if a blade of grass is priceless, what is the value of a human being?”
I hope that these next generations can use technology as a tool for authentic connection and quality education, not one of destruction, distraction, and disconnection from what it means to be human -Life itself, living on a fragile planet with other beings that are facing extinction. To whom much is given, much is required.
I read this a couple of times. Was a kid in the 60s, teenager in the 70s. Over the past few years as I watch and listen to this current day history being made, I have thoughts of what the hell, we dealt with this. Why is it back? Speaking this to my daughter once she said you only thought it was dealt with, it was an illusion. I think she is probably right. I know that change comes hard. It comes with pain, it is born out of chaos. So here we are, again. My hope is we get it right this time.
Interesting take on the past 100 years. Past is not always prelude, however, and scientific and technological gains have often come at a cost, especially for those who are at the margins of society. How much better off would we be if we valued public education and health (including mental) over aggression and self-aggrandizement?
I think this era started with Trump's announcement of his intent to run for president. It pulled away the veils covering the racism, sexism, xenophobia, and ableism in our society. It elevated name-calling to a new high. It ushered in an era of the unacceptable becoming the new normal. I think that that is how it will be remembered. Judith Lesner
Given this history and the advancements made it feels during these times there is a cultural lag. Parents choosing books or banning books at school and blatant violence against those who are not white and straight is discouraging. That some people lag is expected but Boebert and Greene ? Still in office? There are reasons for optimism but it still feels like slogging throw mud.
Nov 21, 2022·edited Nov 21, 2022Liked by Steve Schmidt
If the 20th Century began on September 14, 1901, the 21st Century surely began on September 11, 2001.
Perhaps that's why this century has been so chaotic, extreme, and violent so far, and seemingly becoming more so every day. With yet another gunman executing innocent people with a weapon of war (this time because they were patronizing a gay nightclub), we are turning our fear and hatred of the "otherness" of people who are different from us into deadly action, over and over and over again.
I hope Steve's optimism for the future of space travel is correct. I hope we can leave the beginning of this century of violent intolerance behind us, and usher in an era of cooperation, innovation, and peace. Our lives and the future of our country depend on it.
I need your history lessons now more than ever at my age. I sometimes forget how much has happened around me in my lifetime. When I was a boy I relied on movies and books to dream of missions to the moon and beyond. There were party lines that always got crossed when you were talking on the phone. Rock and roll was growing up in the sixties and it seemed the world was coming undone with the deaths of the Kennedys, MLK and Vietnam. Then suddenly the world seemed to stop and all eyes were glued to TV sets around the world when the eagle landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong would change our world forever with those immortal words as he stepped onto the lunar surface. Time stood still for just an instant as I watched in amazement.
I have not thought of that moment in many years until I read your piece this morning over coffee. The world moves so fast at times and we need moments like the moon landing and the Berlin wall coming down to remind us of the humanity around us and remember our common bonds, especially when the world is raging.
Thank you Steve. This commentary is inspirational. It gives me hope for my children and grandchildren in my beloved country. A baby boomer myself, I’ll hold on for the ride as long as I can. At least I can vote!
Your knowledge of history is astounding and your ability to bring it all together and have it flow from one "era" to another is brilliant - i so enjoy reading your essays. Thanks. Steve
Since my first exposure to you on TV, your words have often been a balm to my soul. Today is such a day. Thank you for your clarity and insight. And the hope!
Enjoyed this essay. The history reminders and optimistic words keep me from being so depressed or angry all the time at the chaos in our country. 40-50-60 years ago, I thought we were making headway for women, LGBTQ, brown people, people in poverty... nope, still fighting.
Thank you. I find this inspiring. I am of the last era, born the year that World War 2 ended. I won’t be around to see this future you envision. But it soothes me to see your vision of the future when so many are predicting disaster in the short term.
I remember even as a Canadian child in the 1970s being enthralled by the moon landings. I look forward to my kids and eventual grandchildren hopefully being amazed by similar events.
Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space: “For me, the most ironic token of [the first human moon landing] is the plaque signed by President Richard M. Nixon that Apollo 11 took to the moon. It reads: "We came in peace for all Mankind." As the United States was dropping 7 ½ megatons of conventional explosives on small nations in Southeast Asia, we congratulated ourselves on our humanity. We would harm no one on a lifeless rock.”
Carl Sagan: “A blade of grass is a commonplace on Earth; it would be a miracle on Mars. Our descendants on Mars will know the value of a patch of green. And if a blade of grass is priceless, what is the value of a human being?”
I hope that these next generations can use technology as a tool for authentic connection and quality education, not one of destruction, distraction, and disconnection from what it means to be human -Life itself, living on a fragile planet with other beings that are facing extinction. To whom much is given, much is required.
I read this a couple of times. Was a kid in the 60s, teenager in the 70s. Over the past few years as I watch and listen to this current day history being made, I have thoughts of what the hell, we dealt with this. Why is it back? Speaking this to my daughter once she said you only thought it was dealt with, it was an illusion. I think she is probably right. I know that change comes hard. It comes with pain, it is born out of chaos. So here we are, again. My hope is we get it right this time.
Interesting take on the past 100 years. Past is not always prelude, however, and scientific and technological gains have often come at a cost, especially for those who are at the margins of society. How much better off would we be if we valued public education and health (including mental) over aggression and self-aggrandizement?
I think this era started with Trump's announcement of his intent to run for president. It pulled away the veils covering the racism, sexism, xenophobia, and ableism in our society. It elevated name-calling to a new high. It ushered in an era of the unacceptable becoming the new normal. I think that that is how it will be remembered. Judith Lesner
Given this history and the advancements made it feels during these times there is a cultural lag. Parents choosing books or banning books at school and blatant violence against those who are not white and straight is discouraging. That some people lag is expected but Boebert and Greene ? Still in office? There are reasons for optimism but it still feels like slogging throw mud.
If the 20th Century began on September 14, 1901, the 21st Century surely began on September 11, 2001.
Perhaps that's why this century has been so chaotic, extreme, and violent so far, and seemingly becoming more so every day. With yet another gunman executing innocent people with a weapon of war (this time because they were patronizing a gay nightclub), we are turning our fear and hatred of the "otherness" of people who are different from us into deadly action, over and over and over again.
I hope Steve's optimism for the future of space travel is correct. I hope we can leave the beginning of this century of violent intolerance behind us, and usher in an era of cooperation, innovation, and peace. Our lives and the future of our country depend on it.
I need your history lessons now more than ever at my age. I sometimes forget how much has happened around me in my lifetime. When I was a boy I relied on movies and books to dream of missions to the moon and beyond. There were party lines that always got crossed when you were talking on the phone. Rock and roll was growing up in the sixties and it seemed the world was coming undone with the deaths of the Kennedys, MLK and Vietnam. Then suddenly the world seemed to stop and all eyes were glued to TV sets around the world when the eagle landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong would change our world forever with those immortal words as he stepped onto the lunar surface. Time stood still for just an instant as I watched in amazement.
I have not thought of that moment in many years until I read your piece this morning over coffee. The world moves so fast at times and we need moments like the moon landing and the Berlin wall coming down to remind us of the humanity around us and remember our common bonds, especially when the world is raging.
Thank you Steve. This commentary is inspirational. It gives me hope for my children and grandchildren in my beloved country. A baby boomer myself, I’ll hold on for the ride as long as I can. At least I can vote!
Your knowledge of history is astounding and your ability to bring it all together and have it flow from one "era" to another is brilliant - i so enjoy reading your essays. Thanks. Steve
Since my first exposure to you on TV, your words have often been a balm to my soul. Today is such a day. Thank you for your clarity and insight. And the hope!
Janet in Minneapolis
Enjoyed this essay. The history reminders and optimistic words keep me from being so depressed or angry all the time at the chaos in our country. 40-50-60 years ago, I thought we were making headway for women, LGBTQ, brown people, people in poverty... nope, still fighting.
It is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. Hang in there Gaia.
Thank you. I find this inspiring. I am of the last era, born the year that World War 2 ended. I won’t be around to see this future you envision. But it soothes me to see your vision of the future when so many are predicting disaster in the short term.
Beautiful words and sentiment to start the day.
Ever hopeful. 💕
I remember even as a Canadian child in the 1970s being enthralled by the moon landings. I look forward to my kids and eventual grandchildren hopefully being amazed by similar events.