“It is human nature to want patterns, standards, and a structure of behaviour. A pattern to conform to is a kind of shelter.” This statement holds a great deal of truth in its words. Humans, as a species, seem to be always searching for something, looking and never finding, never reaching that ultimate perfection so many crave to discover. Many look for rules and standards, finding comfort in familiar settings; yet they still long for something more. People tend to need things, so they set off to new places and think of revolutionary ideas. But when the future becomes too unfamiliar and frightening, more often than not people run back home to the comfort of the routine.
There are those, however, that step outside the bounds of the known into the unknown. These are the people who push the world forward into new patterns of thinking. They are the ones who are not afraid of crossing borders and bound. With their revolutionary ideas, they pull or push others along with them into structures and patterns of life that before were wholly unfamiliar. These are our great thinkers, revolutionists, and leaders; the people who constantly drive others forward and set new standards, making the present into history and the future comfortable.
This transition is not always easy, from present to future. Some people are rooted in the past and refuse to leave their traditional ways of thinking. In constants and standards they find solace. They are afraid of change; afraid to move on. The future is an unknown beast with unthinkable hardships. These are the people that hold back and let the world pass them by. They feel nothing can harm them as long as the future leaves them in peace.
But nothing can really become known and “safe” unless there is the majority of a population flocking to it. Slowly, as the ideas of the thinkers and revolutionists take root, others follow, and then others after them. It only takes one person to put a movement in motion. As the followers start to accept the new idea, they move toward it, drawn by an urge for discovery. Then, taking comfort in the presence and support of others, they stay, making new homes and lives in a new pattern or standard. The unknown has now become safe.
Though we, as a race, continue to progress forward, it is still, at times, a heart-wrenching process. We are afraid, yet drawn by powers even the most innovative thinker has little realized. The standards, structures, and patterns give us shelter and comfort while they last, but most do not linger long. Humans continually step forward to face new challenges, leaving behind those who are too afraid. But the people who are not bound by fear march on and into the patterns of tomorrow.
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