Something Is Always Coming
Obsession with the Future is Erasing the Past and Destroying the Present
"The future is very scary. It 's always out there, right in front of you, waiting, mocking you, calling you an idiot, and then not one shortest possible moment in time later, it's here, in the present, laughing and punching you in the face, and then before you can even respond, it's gone, into the past, and you are just standing there, face bloodied, looking like a fool as the future stands there in front of you, mocking you, calling you an idiot." -- D. DeMarco, 2017
H.P. Lovecraft, the master of eldritch horror, and racist dickhead once wrote that fear is the oldest and strongest emotion of mankind, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. When it comes to the unknowable, nothing can top the future. It is the ultimate unknown. According to our best theories of the structure of reality and our universe and/or multiverse, it can't ever be known because while travel to the past is at least theoretically (though not practically due to the amount of energy required) possible, travel to the future is not even theoretically possible. This fear of the future manifests in many different ways, but often it comes in the form of proclamations that something terrible is just around the corner or about to happen, essentially that something awful is coming. One great example is the granddaddy of all fears about the future, fear of the apocalypse/end of the world. The fear that the end of the world is coming or is just around the corner is one that has been on many people's minds since the birth of human society. There are also of course much more mundane, everyday fears, that humans constantly obsess about such as fear of job loss, fear of illness, fear of losing someone we love, etc.
In contrast many people also harbor unreasonable or irrational hopes for the future. These can also sometimes manifest in the form of proclamations that something is just around the corner or about to happen, essentially that something wonderful is coming. In modern times a good example is the idea of the singularity which, many believe will usher in a utopian age where humans are free to devote all of our energies to creative and other intellectual pursuits without the need to work or labor since all of our needs will be attended to by benevolent intelligent machines. Exactly like with fear, hope for the future also can take much more mundane, everyday forms.
Of course it is useful to consider the possibility of bad outcomes in the future. That is how we make plans to avoid them if possible. How we develop strategies to minimize risk. It is also useful and helpful to have hopes and dreams about the future. This is one source of motivation for action and change for the better. All that said, it feels as if today in the United States and much of the western world, both fear of and hope for what the future will bring have gotten way out of control, so much so that they are completely erasing people's memories of the past and more problematically causing them to forget that they are living in the present, not the future. Maybe it has always been this way and I am just now noticing it, or maybe it is a new phenomenon, in either case, it is unhealthy and is having massive real world present day damaging effects. And lest you think I am coming from some holier than thou position looking to wag my finger at the unwashed masses. I can assure you, you are mistaken as I include myself among the unwashed masses who regularly obsesses about the future. In fact, thinking about the future and the possibilities inherent in it is one of the things that drives my storytelling. However, I am wise enough (I think) to recognize when this obsession is negatively impacting the present, and can take steps to recenter myself in it. Unfortunately, it seems like our leaders do not have this wisdom, or if they do, they have perverted it, and instead of taking steps to reground us all in the present, use our fears and hopes about the future against us in ways subtle and not so subtle. Mostly they use them as a tool to retain power, to hang on to whatever power they have from the position they find themselves in today. To reiterate what I said earlier, there is nothing wrong with this and is perfectly normal and healthy, to a point. After all, inspiring us about what the future may hold is one of the key features (or at least it used to be) we look for when deciding whom to vote for in any given election. Today instead we vote for the candidate who is most skilled in describing and defining our fears, and detailing the methods they will use to eradicate or eliminate them. The ability to elucidate a hopeful vision for the future has disappeared entirely or is viewed as a weakness rather than a strength. This tendency is described perfectly by maxim 4 of the new philosophy of the modern United States of America, which states that we our against everything, and for almost nothing. After all, it is so much easier to be against something or everything, rather than for something. It feels so much better to punish those things and/or persons who have wronged us (the small minority), than to help those who have not (the vast majority). It wasn't always this way and it needs to change. Punishing the real or perceived guilty cannot be the sole reason for our existence as a people. I don't want to live in a society like that. Do you?
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Everyday Junglist
About me. You know how everyone says to be a successful writer you should focus in one or two areas. I continue to prove them correct.
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The New Philosophy of the Modern United States of America
Preamble: We the people of the United States of America hereby declare that we do not, generally speaking, approve of philosophy. It typically requires deep thought and critical self examination, two things we are very much against. In fact the entire new philosophy of the modern United States of America can best be thought of as an anti-philosophy. If there is a thing that the international community or any group or body or persons that we are against is for, or thinks is useful and important, then we stand united against it. If we are against philosophy, then how can we use it to describe our beliefs? you may ask. Please see Maxims 6 and 13 for a more detailed explanation, but basically it is because we are always free to suspend or ignore previously stated positions or long held beliefs at any time, for any reason, with no justification required or given. It is critically important that the readers of this philosophy understand it only applies to the extent we say it does, when we say it does, and if we ever change our minds about any of it, we will be sure to let you know or not. There is nothing you can do about it in any case so we probably won’t bother. We will of course hold you accountable for everything we say here so reader beware.
By Everyday Junglist11 months ago in The Swamp
U.S. Navy Is Chasing Several Oil Tankers in the Atlantic
The United States Navy has reportedly deployed several ships to monitor and intercept a group of oil tankers moving through the Atlantic Ocean. While details remain limited, officials suggest the operation is part of a broader effort to enforce international maritime regulations, prevent illegal shipments, and protect global energy security. The unfolding situation has drawn attention from governments, energy markets, and security analysts, who are closely monitoring the implications for both geopolitics and global commerce. The Tankers and the Operation The vessels in question are reportedly a mix of large oil tankers carrying crude from various regions. The U.S. Navy’s engagement suggests concerns over either regulatory compliance or the potential diversion of energy resources to unauthorized destinations. Sources indicate that the Navy is coordinating with allied forces to track the vessels' movements, ensuring that they do not enter restricted or sanctioned areas. The Atlantic Ocean has long been a critical corridor for global energy trade, connecting major oil-producing regions in Africa, South America, and the Middle East with consumer markets in Europe and North America. Interceptions in these waters are rare but significant, signaling that authorities have intelligence about potentially illegal or high-risk shipments. Why the Navy Is Involved Naval involvement in tracking commercial tankers is not standard procedure, but it is sometimes necessary when there are concerns about sanctions violations, smuggling, or threats to international security. According to maritime law, coastal states can monitor vessels in their territorial waters, but operations in the open ocean often require coordination with international partners. In this case, the U.S. Navy’s pursuit appears to be preventive, ensuring that the oil shipments are properly documented and that no vessels are breaching international sanctions regimes. Analysts note that such actions also serve a political purpose, sending a clear message to entities attempting to bypass regulations that the U.S. and its allies are vigilant about maritime commerce. Global Energy and Market Implications The news of naval activity around oil tankers has caused ripples in global energy markets. Even a temporary disruption or the perception of restricted supply can trigger fluctuations in oil prices. Traders are closely watching the movements of the vessels and awaiting official statements on whether the tankers are carrying sanctioned cargo. Energy analysts emphasize that the Atlantic is a high-traffic route, and any incident involving naval forces and commercial ships could have cascading effects. Supply chain logistics, insurance premiums for shipping companies, and regional energy security all hang in the balance while the Navy conducts its operation. Potential Geopolitical Dimensions Observers are also evaluating the geopolitical context. The tankers’ origins, destinations, and ownership may have implications for ongoing international disputes, sanctions enforcement, or regional conflicts. Past incidents involving tanker interceptions have highlighted the sensitive nature of global energy politics, where control over resources and adherence to regulations intersect with national interests. Some experts suggest that the Navy’s proactive approach may also reflect broader U.S. concerns about rival nations or non-state actors attempting to exploit maritime trade for economic or strategic gains. By tracking and potentially detaining tankers suspected of irregular activity, the U.S. is reinforcing its role as a global maritime enforcer. Challenges of Maritime Enforcement Enforcing regulations across vast oceans presents numerous challenges. The Navy must rely on a combination of satellite tracking, intelligence reports, and aerial surveillance to locate and follow multiple moving vessels. Communication with ship crews, coordination with international authorities, and adherence to legal protocols are all critical to ensuring the operation proceeds without escalating into conflict. Experts note that such operations require balancing assertiveness with diplomacy. Intercepting commercial ships on the high seas can be controversial, especially when there is ambiguity over compliance or ownership. The Navy’s careful approach is aimed at preventing misunderstandings while maintaining the credibility of international maritime law. Looking Ahead As the U.S. Navy continues to track these oil tankers, the global community watches closely. Official statements from the Department of Defense or the State Department may provide more clarity on whether the tankers are violating regulations or if this is a preventive security measure. Meanwhile, shipping companies and international markets remain alert to any developments that could affect the flow of energy or maritime commerce. Ultimately, this situation underscores the strategic importance of maritime security in today’s interconnected world. The Atlantic Ocean, a vital artery for energy and trade, continues to be a theater where law, geopolitics, and commerce intersect. The Navy’s ongoing operation is a reminder that securing these waters is not just about military presence but also about maintaining trust, order, and stability in the global energy system.
By Fiaz Ahmed 4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (1)
Great job on this - I think the current bozos in DC are really good at chreating so much chaos that people who pay attention are more inclined to this worry of which you speak……I must point out 2 typos that you may want to correct (or to our and or to are): defining or fears, and detailing the methods they will use to eradicate or eliminate them. The ability to elucidate a hopeful vision for the future has disappeared entirely or is viewed as a weakness rather than a strength. This tendency is described perfectly by maxim 4 of the new philosophy of the modern United States of America, which states that we or against