Category : Articles

Sub Category : World

        Before linear-thinking, the collective perception of time was of constant change and cycles, much like the seasons of the year. Cyclical time was the natural and dominant perspective during the time of the Ancient Greeks and of Renaissance humanism (not to be confused with humanitarianism or humanism in its modern sense). This was when a revival of cultural legacy, literary legacy, and moral philosophy of classical antiquity had taken place. It was a time that consisted of a healthy balance of both non-Christian and Christian morals, without the religious dogma that drove us into linear thinking.

        The idea is seasonality, which permeates all life. This also includes American history, where the cyclical-generational attitudes are the prime factors in its analysis, as well as in politics. Race, gender, economic class, religion, and political beliefs are all influential in determining the course of history. This is why it is imperative that we unlearn the linear orthodoxy of understanding history. Linear time has a beginning and an end, which explains why each generation believes they are living during the end times. Such perceptions must be thrown out, including the belief that positive change is incremental and human-made only.

        With that in mind, let’s think about music. In written sheet music, there are certain markings or symbols that indicate the natural flow of the piece, directing the player where to go next. D.S. al Coda is used to indicate repetition in the work but is primarily used to designate a passage that brings a piece (or a movement within a piece) to either an end or another part relatively different from the previous. 

        Within a story or narrative, such repetition could be the dramatic rising action that leads to a climactic revelation. The same thing can be seen within our own lives. As we find ourselves invariably in the same situation or repeating self-destructive patterns of behavior, it is up to us to recognize it and do something different. This puts an end to the pattern, whereby a lesson is learned and our disrupted development recommences.
 
        Repeating the same thing over and over, expecting different results, is the definition of insanity, and can take many years to come to our attention. But awareness wasn't enough to put an end to my previous addiction to heroin. Such extreme cases are what I like to call a "Coda with a curse." 

        In drug addiction, it's the ritual of habit that brings one closer and closer to death. Amid my addiction, I knew the end was coming, but the deeper I fell into the chaos I created, the more death became welcomed, and eventually desired. 

(To Be Continued...)