Just as it was 365 days ago, millions around the globe will gather together in masses, in small groups, in pairs, or stand alone, to countdown as the stroke of midnight sweeps rapidly and unstoppably across the imaginary lines that mark the international timezones - hailing the arrival of a new year. 2007 is here!Like a magician's wand, the hands of the clock will once more wipe away all bad memories of a year that had perhaps lasted too long, and serve a clean sheet for all to begin afresh. Magic.
The countdown ritual in almost all modern cities has existed for as long as we remember. But we forget that our memory is not very long, neither is our modern existence.
2006. 2007. 2008. 2009...
The passing of time has become like a rushing train that we must catch. To "fall behind time" would be a catastrophe. Someone who lives and thinks like he is still in 2006 while in 2007 cannot be taken seriously. We must progress. We must grow. Our rate of growth must exceed the rate of growth from the previous year. This is REAL progress.
What's the hurry anyway? Someone still recalls where the train is heading towards in the first place? Where are we? Why are we on this train? How much is the fare? When did we get onboard? Who is driving the train? Who are we?
No questions asked! We must go. Sofort!
Bzzz... whisper this - There are over 6 billion people in this world and the people who perform the countdown ritual only number in millions at most. Most of us don't believe in this nonsense.
I've been to villages in Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka... and met many people who do not even know their age. Imagine - people who lose count at two digits. Would they be bothered with bigger numerals? 2006, 2007, 2008.... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6...
Yes, there are many oasis left all over the world not yet swept or covered by the sands of Time. In these places, people live day to day, not year to year. People live happily not captive by the tyranny of Time.
Sunrise. Sunset. Day to day. That was how God created eveything anyway.
