Reflections on Past Irrational Behaviors: What Will Future Generations Say?

In contemplating the progress and evolution of human society, one cannot help but wonder what actions from our current era will be viewed with disbelief by future generations. Will the choices and behaviors of today be seen as foolish, irrational, or even harmful by those living in the distant future? This article explores several behaviors and societal norms from the present that might be deemed shocking in the context of our grandchildren's time.

Behaviors and Norms That Will Surprise Future Generations

One might argue that in 50-100 years, future generations may be astounded by certain contemporary practices, much like today’s educated or reasonable people are taken aback by behaviors from our past. The following are some possibilities:

Banning and Attempting to Ban Abortion

Throughout history, the issue of abortion has sparked fierce debates. Today, the idea of banning or attempting to ban abortion, a practice that many today feel is deeply unjust, might seem nonsensical to future generations. If these bans were indeed enacted, they might be labeled as bizarre, reminiscent of the absurdity of some bans that seem retroactive by today's standards.

Banning Books and Birth Control, Differential Laws

Another possible area of contention could be the attempt to ban certain books or types of birth control. Different laws might be imposed based on gender, which is thankfully becoming increasingly untenable in today’s rapidly evolving social landscape. These actions might be viewed by future generations as archaic and damaging, much like today's society perceives bans from the past.

Political Divison and Xenophobia

There is a risk that future generations might find it hard to believe the current level of political divisiveness, especially in a country like the United States. The term "greatest country in the world" might be rewritten to reflect a more unified and cooperative future. The idea of political parties leading to a destruction of a nation's perfect founding union might seem absurd, reflecting a deeply pessimistic view but one worth considering.

Conservation Laws and Scientific Misconceptions

In the realm of science and physics, we might see how current misconceptions could be viewed as comical in the future. For instance, the conservation of angular momentum, which is often misunderstood or misinterpreted, might be seen as a harmless but humorous misconception. The real core of the issue, the conservation of angular energy, might be demonstrated as a simple and clear solution that future generations easily grasp.

Human Behavior and Policings

The ways in which we judge and police each other's actions will also be subjects of future mockery. The flawed notion of incarceration and rehabilitation is often criticized for its ineffectiveness. It might be said that in the future, prior years' methods of maintaining order and justice through incarceration will be seen as barbaric and self-destructive. The focus on making people better criminals rather than reforming them might be viewed as a significant oversight and a key flaw in the current system.

Reflecting on these possibilities, it becomes clear that the evolution of society is a journey towards more rational, compassionate, and scientific understanding. The future might hold many more advancements and changes, but by reflecting on the past, we can prepare for a more enlightened and progressive future.

Future generations will likely look back on some of today's behaviors with amazement, much as we do today. Through continued education, dialogue, and progress, we can work towards a world that is more reasonable and compassionate. Only by acknowledging our past mistakes can we ensure a better future for all.