| Hey, Bill. I chose some fine blackened shrimp and oyster fondeaux at Papadeaux last night. Yummmm. We perceive a direction in human history because we are creating it. Direction (or perhaps drift) in human history results from the sum of choices, or behaviors, that fill history books. What it all means is nebulous. For instance, at least since the enlightenment many argued for the ever higher moral evolution of the species. But that ship was largely abandoned in the wake of WWI and WWII, continuing massive pogroms, ethnic cleansings, and genocide. I'm sure the idea of that direction is just hibernating, and will re-emerge in due time. Even if we discern or agree as a human race to pursue particular directions, it leaves open the question of our relationship to other, perhaps larger or prevailing directions in the universe, like the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, or some teleological project we don't recognize. I don't see a problem with the idea we are creating direction, and that we need to embrace and be responsible for all that means. That does not preclude other direction in the universe. I buy cars, but my choices are determined by larger entities which create the vehicle choice pool. I drive roads for which somebody else determined the direction. I choose, and drive happily in relative freedom. |
