Our first names came from our occupation or worth to the family and community. Hunter, Fisher, Forester, Farmer, Wheelwright, regardless of the language, it usually comes out to the same thing. I hope that if I were named the same way today, it would be Guardian or Teacher. I’ve tried to be both for so long.
I also wonder what names we would pass out to today’s generation. The temptation is to say Useless and Pampered would be the most common names. Though I expect that if they were to name themselves, it would be Teabag69, D3athF@rt or whatever tag they use on Fortnight. The pathetic specimens that I see walking the streets don’t rate much more. They won’t put in the effort to learn productive skills. They are afraid to sweat and complain because no one recognizes their brilliance.
There is another part of that generation, built on another fifty years of progress and learning. They have taken advantage of the tools that we struggled with to leap past us. Building on the knowledge of those who came before, just like us. We were lifted by visionaries, who were lifted by giants, who built upon the work of great thinkers. Our children, that we find lacking in so many skills we take for granted, are launching from heights we can’t imagine. They may have to go back to the old names, Atlas, Prometheus, Hippocrates, Athena.
I have tried to imagine the future my grandchildren will inherit. I fear that the barbarians will come through the gates and destroy what could be with sticks and rocks, not resisted by the lances of fire and destruction that we are capable of. Not from fear but from mercy and restraint. Where we learned that a bully is best served by a punch in the face, they use peer pressure and forbearance. It doesn’t work on bullies. Our world covers all of recorded history from, early civilization to the most advanced ages, with a mixture of leadership guiding it, equally as diverse. They need other names to join them Horatio on the bridge, Hercules, Paris and Achilles, Bellerophon or Odysseus. Warriors and guardians.
Civilization needs its barbarians. The uncivilized man, willing to risk life for others to live and take life in that cause. The scars on the men and women who stand between the innocent and violence bear are deep. They won’t fit into the new world. The new world won’t survive without them. I hope they are smart enough to figure out the answer.
The New Word Wars 