What is seen inwardly?
Born in 1953, I started my life at a period when babies were entering the German population than never before. World War II, more or less, the end of the world - as my late grandma mostly described that time - has ended eight years ago. It was not the end of everything. The world economic crises changed into an eight (economical) World Wonder,
During the Sixties we looked upon the youth culture of Woodstock as a symbol - of the power of music, the pursuit of self expression, the values of peace, love and community, and the rejection of “The Establishment” - even in the midst of torrential rain and an aftermath of foot-deep mud.
I enjoyed our flower power peace generation with long hair. Once upon a time - look at my photo now…
Yes, I confess, many times I was really cynical about my parent’s values, and rejected anything that suggested tradition. This is one thing I observed also now in the Philippines. Why? Is it the Western influence? First time I stayed in this wonderful country was 1976 before heading to Japan.
The slogan “never trust someone eover 30″ had to be abandoned since I crossed that divide myself. Now, hopefully at the second half of my present life “30″ looks impossibly young.
And let’s be honest: Are we not facing the same realities our parents did, of raising families, needing to pay for school, etc? Also as an expat living in the Philippines? We have held fiercely to freethinking and the untraditional ways our parents - shaped by the Depression, World War II and much more - never had the luxury to feel.
Those of us who have made good money hold fewer illusions that a big house and a Mercedes (or any other brand) in the garage are likely to bring happiness. But guys, what seems most precious to us these days is not career or success, but time and the freedom to do the things we love to do that hold meaning. Since living in the Philippines I can do so.
Earnings through a job we don’t like might be painful, but isn’t it much painful to wait for nothing, get drunk already in the morning because of frustrations while being fed by a friend???
Failed marriages, difficult mid-life attempts, still ongoing baby booms, but something that might pass away as a family - yes, I think, we know the rarity of solid and long living relationships with a partner, with children or with a hard to find real friend.
We may even dare to speak the language that 30 or 40 years ago would have seemed uncool. Call it God or spiritually, but it would probably be the quest for the sense of life, and the hope and faith, that one exists.
Hi Klaus- I am from the same era as you flower power, Rolling Stones and the Beatles. I have experianced the life seen the video and own the Tee-Shirt but what that period created is our delema today.
I think that was the undoing of all our real life values like manners, care for others, understanding etc. What we have now is an uncaring, impolite, materialistic money worshiping society. I must confess not everyone thinks or behaves like this but certainly enough to cause concern. The liberalisim that the 60’s spawned is now the harvest we reap.
I value life in contentment and it costs nothing.
Nice article, Klaus! It gets a person thinking about life.
Hi Jim, yeah, you are so very right. Let’s try to make the best out of everything. Thanks…
Hi Bob, thanks a lot for stopping by. Thinking about life here in the Philippines and everywhere helps a lot to adjust and to enjoy…