Life Cycles

Like the cycles of freedom and bondage experienced ages before Polybius wrote his theories of benign and malignant governments, we continue to cycle today, even thousands of years later. Generations, societies, governments and the governed cycle. Even the earth cycles as it spins through day and night, revolving through seasons and years over millennia and eons of time. Cycles are a theme of living things; growth and decline. We struggle for growth and cycle through periods of accomplishment and strength then ease and weakness. Time spent at ease leads to weakness; a very natural part of the living cycle. This is true for the body, both physical and metaphysical. Among my close friends, I would say this is true for both the body and the spirit. The phenomenon manifests in societies of all sizes, from that of the United States to those the size of the average American family. Around and around we go from weak to strong to weak; from poor to rich to poor. Generation after generation; humankind is constantly rising or falling from grace. Where are you now? Are you doing your part to grow in strength and endurance? Wherever you are, I have been there or will be there, by and by. Where are we, as a people? Where are we as a nation? Are we, as a united people doing our part to form a “more perfect Union…” and to “insure domestic tranquility” (Preamble to the United States Constitution)? Wherever we are and whatever we are or are not doing, we are not the first to be in the process of rising or falling. The length of time between the rise of life and the fall of death and the question of life’s quality has much to do with the struggle for power and growth. We determine, by deliberate effort, how much we invest while investment is possible. Great strength requires substantial sacrifice of time and effort. Real power develops over time, with patience and hard work. A formula for success was offered more than two thousand years ago: “Pray like everything depends upon God then work like everything depends upon you.” (Augustine 354—430AD) As we pass through our collective generation’s turn on earth, and as we stand or fall for what we believe, making the best of what we have to work with, remember; we’re heirs of forefathers who hoped for, planned for and sacrificed for the promotion of our general welfare. Carefully consider what’s worth strengthening, maintaining and preserving. As you do, reflect upon these words: “It is not once nor twice but times without number that the same ideas make their appearance in the world” (Aristotle 384–322 BC). Be well.