Since ancient times, humanity has cultivated the desire to know the future, through magical rites or the interpretation of the signs of nature. Some of the greatest works of antiquity of different cultures and religions are crossed by this tension. They are often born in historical periods of greatest suffering for a people.
But is it really useful to know what will happen? What does knowing in advance the events we will experience, or the way we will experience them, offer us? None of the legendary traditions fully reveals it and more often the symbolism hides the very concrete search and expectation of a better tomorrow that gives meaning to today's suffering.
It could be said that, when things are going well, the future does not worry us; while when things go badly, we are supported and encouraged by the hope that tomorrow they can change for the better. It is the profound need to wait for a new, different world, not just for me, but for everyone.
Today's world expresses a "cry" that concerns all humanity. Even if we are not directly affected by it, we just need to watch the news or browse the newspapers to realize tragedies of all kinds. How do we live them? Do we get used to it and try to survive or, on the contrary, do we let ourselves be questioned by the future and act accordingly?
The world we imagine certainly does not yet exist; and yet, as George Orwell recalled, it is possible. But which of the possible worlds? What can we do? We find an answer in the thought of Albert Camus: «True generosity towards the future consists in giving everything to the present»1
The future, therefore, is not just something to wait for, but can be prepared and in a certain sense anticipated now. It depends on our attitude and our daily actions. We don't know when we will see the fruits of change: it is like a silent seed that grows without us realizing it and which, over time, becomes a plant capable of nourishing, protecting and generating life around itself.
The surprise is that we cannot imagine the consequences: the novelty is guaranteed. It will be an unpredictable future, born from transformed relationships, shared feelings and solidarity that becomes action.
To become a driver of change and renewal in society we need courage, allowing ourselves to be questioned by those who suffer, by those who are alone, by those who need our help or our advice. We will not be spared from difficulties and internal struggles, but there will also be moments of joy and authentic fullness.
An event was recently held in Florence to raise awareness and involve participants in a caravan of fraternity: an opportunity to reflect and share experiences on how to build a future of peace from different fields: economic, trade union, industrial reconversion, ecological, etc. An action that we want to extend like a wildfire to other cities and towns.
Courage! we are actors and not spectators, so that the future is a present of brotherhood, harmony and peace.