Ancient liberation stories resonate today, reminding us that the pursuit of freedom is an ongoing struggle. The stories also offer some hope that remains within our grasp.
Yet, it seems many of us have forgotten how to create space for coexistence. Despite frequent discussions about change, action often falls short. Some keep taking more, forgetting the importance of supporting one another. Words alone are no longer enough.
We often overlook the wisdom these ancient liberation stories impart. True coexistence means actively listening and showing up, especially during tough times. However, as history often repeats itself, not everyone is ready or knows how, which is the deeper opportunity.
Reflecting on the poignant words from Charles Dickens in “A Tale of Two Cities,” we see a reflection of our own era. Just as the period of 1775 to 1789 experienced contradictions—wisdom and foolishness, belief and incredulity, light and darkness—so too does our current age.
These contrasts challenge us to create a path where hope overcomes despair, and light dispels darkness.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”—Charles Dickens.
It is the era of social networks, the era of delusion. An age of information, an age of misinformation. The talk of freedom, the reality of restrictions. A season of environmental consciousness, a season of ecological neglect. The time of social justice, the time of division. The Fall of deep truth, the Spring of action.
Nowhere to hide as the question of ancient liberation taps our reality.