Prometheus lives.
Apropos that you, soon to be alumni of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, are named
Titans. Overt in its symbolism that as
Titans you are expected to make titanic advances to the human condition, but
subtle in the suggestion that the Titans were humbled by lesser creatures, the
Olympians. It is both of these themes,
seemingly at odds, that I wish to help impart a sense of challenge as you go
forth to conquer the world in your respective disciplines.
Prometheus lives.
Prometheus, in the Greek tradition, is the god of many
related activities. Generally seen as
the father of culture, art and progress through several acts he performed for
the betterment of mankind. He is best
known for this theft of fire from Zeus, Chief of the Olympians, and subsequent
transfer to humankind; an act that he was ultimately chained to a rock and each
day an eagle, symbol of Zeus, would eat out his liver. Most do not know that Prometheus was a key
ally to the Olympians in their war with the Titans, which makes this particular
betrayal especially cruel.
Zeus makes claim that if Prometheus had not stolen fire that
humanity would not have had to work but a day to fill all its needs for a year.
What person was made better with no
challenge in life, what accomplishments were ever achieved by ease and comfort? I am reminded of the Eagle in flight. The greatest barrier to the eagle in
achieving it’s maximum velocity is wind resistance, the pushing of air against
the eagle slows it down. Yet, the
primary principle that allows the eagle flight is resistance, without it the
eagle would have nothing to push against to gain flight. So too humanity struggles to achieve great
heights in art, science and physical prowess, without the constant pressure of
problems, solutions become meaningless.
Without solutions we cannot measure growth and without growth we have no
evolution. Not evolution in the simply
physical sense but the capacity to change to a world that values people over
process, community over self, intelligence over ignorance, peace over security
and joy over happiness.
Each of you is Prometheus, his spirit lives in you. As you go forth in life you will see cruelty,
greed and ambition ruin the great works of many great people. Weather it is in your job or your personal
life each of you will be presented with opportunities to turn away from
problems that are uncomfortable, challenges that seem beyond your capacity to
overcome.
My challenge to you is to steal fire.
As you strive to find equality in the world others will mock
you, they will challenge your sense of purpose with barriers to why you cannot,
or will not achieve your end goal. Some
may put up these barriers intentionally, seeking to stop you from sharing
opportunity and knowledge with others.
This is the view of a modern day Olympian, strive for
power-consolidate-oppress-keep the status quo.
These same Olympians, who challenged the Titans, won and then suppressed
others to stay on top. You can see
examples of this in our modern day; privatized education, adherence to non-renewable
energy, open access to the internet under attacked and the list goes on. In all of human history it has been a
struggle for us to continue to evolve beyond this cycle of gain
power-consolidate-oppress.
Gift others with the opportunity to walk in the light of
education, the beauty of art and the peace of a life free from hate, neglect
and oppression. Open access to others with the choices you make, seek to find the lowest common denominator; the iron chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. Ignite the flame of human passion through your thoughts and actions. Stealing fire is a more a state of mind and a force of will than a specific act or set of guidelines to follow. Those that choose to
face these challenges may be rewarded as Prometheus was, betrayal from those we
thought our allies. But we that make this sacrifice will be exalted among humanity as those that stole fire
from the gods and help lift up a people in the vast dark.
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