History is an amazing and often surprising treasure. Recently, I came across a portion of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1961 Farewell Address to the Nation: “As we peer into society’s future, we — you and I and our government — must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow.” Tough less frequently cited than his warning about the acquisition of unwarranted influence by the military-industrial complex in the same address, the above statement is no less visionary and rings more true today than ever, pertaining with chilling accuracy to both the fiscal and environmental challenges we currently face.
In a similar vein, and going back in time even further, one of the Great Laws of the Iroquois states that “In all our deliberations, we must consider the impact on the 7th generation”. One wonders at once what sort of matching insights we are guided by today, if our wisdom is equally profound. In order to put the Great Law in perspective, let’s assume that a generation of Iroquois Indians averaged 20 years. Multiplied by the seven generations, the time period to be considered is 140 years. Coincidentally, precisely 140 years ago in 1869, Frederick Law Olmsted created the General Plan for the Riverside Improvement Company and thus laid the foundation for our uniquely beautiful and livable town. To a foremost extent, Olmsted was guided by the very principle of long term investment as opposed to short term effect, evidenced by the fact that his accomplishment matured and became ever more beautiful as time went by. To a greater extent than any of the previous residents, all of us living in Riverside today reap the full benefits of Olmsted’s foresight and the Improvement Company’s investment.
All too often in today’s world, we think only of ourselves, as instant gratification trumps most other motivators of our actions. Merely remotely do we acknowledge that our very existences are transitory, and that a view of ourselves as guests on, rather than owners of, our ever smaller and more endangered planet would appear more prudent. We need to relearn what the American Indians knew all along.
Now, given that we just had the most lively political debates in Riverside in years, let’s ask ourselves to what extent those discussions and stated platforms have been mindful of the long term view. Admittedly, given the speed of modern life and the ever changing world we live in, it is exceedingly challenging to suppose a path forward that is both ecologically and economically sustainable. Still, I believe the main question we need to ask ourselves is this one: are we taking actions and implementing policies today that people in the year 2149 will point back to and refer to as visionary?
No small order, for sure. Yet, I would argue, sacrificing today for the promise of a better tomorrow defines the quintessential American spirit as established by the early settlers and framers, and followed by generations of our predecessors. Let’s be who we most fundamentally are, and do what we are best at doing: namely, pioneers toiling to improve ourselves and our surroundings. If we base our decision making upon scientific evidence and a concern for the seventh generation rather than partisanship and material interests, we may be able to turn an unprecedented challenge into an opportunity of evolutionary proportions: to create a more just, peaceful, and qualitatively prosperous world.
Just 3 weeks ago, I was asked by a member of our community if I believed that we should simply all gather under the oak trees and just get along. Well, yes, I do. What is the alternative? The inquirer didn’t offer a better idea, either.
I do believe that building community is key if we are to move forward in a way that is centered around the common good and long term improvement that future generations will benefit from. The better we know something, the more we will be committed to its cause, and ready to stand up for it. Our steps will be insignificant in terms of size and initial impact, yet crucial with regard to a common purpose. Let’s get to know each other, discuss what is on our minds, learn about ourselves and the environment, speak up, volunteer, play, and celebrate. Doing this together certainly has more promise than trying to cope with today’s challenges individually.
Tom Jacobs
Published in the April 8, 2009 Riverside/Brookfield Landmark