On the Gregorian calendar, most peoples of the world are celebrating the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. There is a sentiment of sadness about 2020 that does not need to be recounted. It is all too clear. The real question is whether humanity will move forward in 2021 in a more effective fashion. Will the great hopes of vaccines be realized by the wide and equitable distribution and administration of the precious products of scientific innovation? Will governmental leaders show more real leadership that embraces a full understanding of social, economic, ethical and cultural elements of our everyday lives? Will the fabric of various societies be jiggled into the common sense of doing fundamental things that are for the benefit of all/others (one for all, and all for one) rather than persisting with a “one for one, none for all” collection of selfish human beings? Will we remember to value each other, regardless of age, sex, gender, race, ethnic group, religion economic status, special talents, and limitations? Especially, will global society and certain societies in particular, wake up to more sincere honoring and protecting their elderly? Will there be a think-sort-act tank to help bring society back into rhythm in a harmonious fashion? Will nature give us the time to get back on our feet, or will we face another round of infections from viral variants or a new pathogen? Are there lessons from a hundred years ago that were either not learned well or were learned and then forgotten that we need to re-ignite? Is our appreciation for the gift of life we have been given going to increase or fade once “normalization” proceeds? Finally, can we always remember to laugh out loud when things don’t quite go the way we hoped or expected, provided we are not talking about human lives lost?
Speed good will. Speed good deeds. Speed solutions for humanity’s challenges. Speed a fulsome foundation for forgiveness and kindness that is much more determined and genuine than the foundations we have laid before.