Quote by Margaret Mead
The prophet who fails to present a bearable alternative and yet preaches doom is part of the trap that he postulates. Not only does he picture us caught in a tremendous man-made or God-made trap from which there is no escape, but we must also listen to him day in, day out, describe how the trap is inexorably closing. To such prophecies the human race, as presently bred and educated and situated, is incapable of listening. So some dance and some immolate themselves as human torches; some take drugs and some artists spill their creativity in sets of randomly placed dots on a white ground.
Summary
This quote suggests that prophets or individuals who only predict doom and fail to provide a tangible solution are contributing to the very sense of hopelessness they are warning against. By continuously describing a trap from which there is no escape, people find it difficult to listen, comprehend, or act upon these prophecies. In response, some individuals engage in desperate or self-destructive behaviors, while others seek temporary relief or expression through art. Ultimately, this quote addresses the limitations of human nature in facing dire predictions without a glimmer of hope or actionable alternatives.
Topics
Prophecy
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