A Cycle Of Vanity

The world is a cycle of power and change, where leaders rise and fall, leaving behind legacies of progress or destruction. Some bring innovation, prosperity, and hope, while others leave societies fractured, forcing future generations to pick up the pieces. This reality has persisted for centuries, but is it something that can or should change? Should individuals have the power to determine the course of the world system, or is this an inevitable pattern of human history?

A century ago, in 1924, the world was in a state of transformation. The aftermath of World War I had reshaped political alliances and borders, while nations struggled to rebuild their economies and redefine their identities. The League of Nations, an early attempt at global governance, was formed to prevent future conflicts, yet it ultimately failed to stop the rise of fascism and the outbreak of World War II. This period saw the seeds of both good and evil—technological advancements, increased international cooperation, and civil rights movements, but also economic depressions, rising totalitarian regimes, and geopolitical tensions that still resonate today.

Economically, the 1920s was a decade of growth, famously known as the "Roaring Twenties" in the United States. It was a time of industrial expansion, cultural shifts, and new technologies such as radio and automobiles, which forever changed human interactions and transportation. However, this prosperity was short-lived, leading to the Great Depression of 1929, an event whose effects rippled across the globe. Economic instability created social unrest, allowing extremist ideologies to take root, directly shaping the conflicts of the mid-20th century. Today, financial crises still impact societies, as history repeats itself in new forms, often because past lessons remain unheeded.

Colonialism was another defining aspect of the early 20th century, with European powers controlling vast territories in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The struggle for independence gained momentum, leading to movements that would reshape the global order in the following decades. Many nations that achieved freedom continue to grapple with the consequences of colonial rule—political instability, artificial borders, economic exploitation, and cultural disruptions. The structures of inequality established during this period have lasting effects, influencing global power dynamics, trade, and governance.

Science and technology from a century ago also continue to shape our world. Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity, developed in the early 20th century, revolutionized physics and led to innovations in space exploration, nuclear energy, and even modern electronics. The medical field saw significant breakthroughs, including insulin’s discovery and early antibiotic developments, saving millions of lives. Yet, the same scientific progress led to destructive innovations, such as nuclear weapons, which introduced an existential threat to humanity.

Looking 100 years ahead, what will remain of today’s world? The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate change, and geopolitical tensions suggest that the future will be equally complex. The choices leaders make today—whether in addressing environmental issues, regulating emerging technologies, or promoting equity—will have lasting consequences. If history teaches us anything, it is that power is often misused, and change is frequently reactionary rather than preventive.

The question remains: is it all vanity? In many ways, history repeats itself, and human ambitions often lead to the same cycles of prosperity, conflict, and reconstruction. Yet, there is value in the progress made. The abolition of slavery, civil rights advancements, medical discoveries, and technological innovations have undeniably improved the human condition. The challenge is ensuring that future progress outweighs destruction, that the lessons of the past are not ignored, and that leadership is held accountable.

While individuals have played significant roles in shaping history, collective efforts—movements, institutions, and societies—ultimately sustain change. If power is to be wielded responsibly, there must be a shift towards long-term thinking, ethical leadership, and global cooperation rather than short-term personal or national gains. The future is not predetermined; it is shaped by the decisions we make today.

In the end, perhaps it is not vanity if each generation strives to leave the world a little better than it found it. The real question is whether humanity will break free from its cycles of destruction and rebuilding or remain trapped in them. Only time will tell.