One Must Move On

Recently I have watched a movie, TV series and documentary that all spoke to the human condition of not being able to accept change and the need to move on.  All of these were watched within a weeks' time, and I felt it was a message of sorts.
My daughter and I delved into watching the British series, Downton Abbey.  I must say we become enthralled with it; it sweeps you away into another time period and way of life.  The series begins in 1912 and so far brings you into the 1920s.  These were times of great change, and the Lord of the manor has some difficulty with change as does his mother, the Dowager.  The British, in particular, are steeped in customs and tradition.   I watched them struggle tremendously with the younger generation's ideas of what the world should now become.   They dragged their feet and shouted, but in the end usually relented and gave in.

I then watched the movie, The Artist, which was nominated for an Academy award last year and was a silent movie.  It took me awhile to decide to watch it because I wasn't sure about the whole silent movie thing being done in the modern world.  I was wrong; it was delightful and had a very good story line and wonderful message.  The main male character, George Valentin, has been a successful silent movie actor.  Suddenly, the world of "talkies" arrives, and he is no longer valuable.  He protests and decides to make his own movies, keeping them silent.  They are not successful, and he loses every thing.  He then comes around and realizes that times have changed, and he must do the same.
 

Lastly, I watched a documentary about Henry Ford.  His dream was to produce a reliable automobile at a reasonable price so the average American could own one, and it would change their life.  He did this very well with this Model T; it did change lives and the country.  When Dodge and Chrysler arrived and began  making other models with a choice of colors, the game changed.  However, Mr. Ford was determined to stay with his Model T because it was a part of him and by letting go of that, he felt it would be the end of himself.  His son, Edsel, was now running the company and knew full well that change must come.  Finally, Henry Ford gave in, and the Model A was born.  He never forgave his son for having pushed for this change. 

I can remember my father inquiring about certain pieces of equipment after he had to leave the farm.  These things were a part of him and to have them gone was a reminder that the past was no longer and soon he would be gone.  He had a feeling of not being useful as did these characters that I have mentioned.  We all want to feel that we have a purpose.

It is interesting to observe human nature and realize that no matter how rich or poor we might be, there are similar battles we all must face.  We are all human beings with the same weaknesses when you strip away societal trappings.

Thought for today:  Move on, you cannot dry today's washing with yesterday's sun.