Today is Valentine’s Day. When we look into its origins, we see that it ultimately stems from the sacrifice of those who resisted the unjust socio-political realities of 3rd-century Rome. Emperor Claudius II, believing that “men would not volunteer for the army if they were married,” banned marriage altogether. However, St. Valentine defied this decree, secretly officiating weddings for those in love. When discovered, he was executed. The day we now celebrate as a symbol of love originally began as a tribute to his sacrifice. Of course, this is not a fully verified historical fact but rather a legend passed down through generations.
Just a hundred years ago, many aspects of everyday life would be incomprehensible by today’s standards—child labor exploitation, rampant violence, deep-rooted racial discrimination, and marriage at an early age.
What was once considered normal is now viewed as absurd and unacceptable.
So, how will people a hundred years from now perceive our present time?
What aspects of today’s society, which we take for granted, will seem utterly ridiculous in the future?
To imagine this is to be a dreamer,
To predict it with accuracy is to possess insight and foresight.
However, mere imagination alone changes nothing.
It is not enough to predict change—we must be the ones to create it.
We must be able to tell future generations, “We built a world better than the one before.”
Will we simply laugh at the ignorance of the past,
Or will we ensure that this very moment does not become a source of shame a hundred years from now?
Imagination gains power only when it becomes reality.
Ooahan JS
Leave a comment