Echoes of Change:

Writing About Transformation in Our World

Penned By: Rtr. Aakil Riyaz (RAC Mid-Town)

Change is a quintessential facet of human existence. Each stage of life demands some form of change, be it internal or external. Our thoughts, actions, physiques and even our surroundings are undergoing some form of change, whether we like it or not. This doesn’t necessarily mean that change is detrimental or even a bad thing per se because change instills in each individual the refusal to remain. Simply put, change is a catalyst for transformation. But right here, right now, we are doing nothing more than carrying echoes from the past, echoes from the lives of our ancestors that we mask as our own.

Whether its administering a nation, to running a business or even effectively managing a household, our ancestors excelled in all of these, far better than we could ever hope to do. Something to make note of was that, all of this was done before the advent of technology. The digital age has encased us in an echo chamber of voices from the past and we have grown so accustomed to drawing from past legacies that, we have very inconveniently placed ourselves in perpetual limbo. We try time and again to draw inferences from this repository, hoping and praying for it to guide us through the churning quagmire of the present age. All of this is a byproduct of evading change. See most of us enjoy complacency and comfort, which is something change cannot accommodate. Each one of us should take into account that, change is not an ephemeral phenomenon, but is deeply intertwined with our lives and the price for it? Refusing to accept complacency and mediocrity within the world.

From a historical standpoint, the renaissance, industrial revolution, world wars and even the ongoing technological revolution, change have been massive drivers and catalysts in ushering growth and development. The ideas and innovations put forward by those from these periods of immense change have echoed all the way into the present, permeating nearly every inch of human existence, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for change.

All of this sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? As if change was some divine mechanism for innovation, which begs the question, how much are we willing to sacrifice to give into some form of change?

For example let us take a glimpse at the Treaty of Westphalia signed in 1648. This treaty was signed following the end of the thirty years, which went on to become a historical cornerstone in peacemaking and international relations. The peace ushered in by this treaty, led to the establishment of the state system and states at present still adhere to this ancient treaty as a template for governing their respective territories. This has unleashed a Pandora’s box of its own for many states, primarily due to their lack of concern in making changes in this age old template to suit the modern world. The state system is simply one example of many when it comes to change.

Change is very much like a double edged sword, and one should exercise both precariousness and caution when wielding it.

From the printing press to the analytical engine to generative artificial intelligence, each generation has pushed itself to the apex of innovation, ushering in both prosperity and obstacles along the way.

If we were to widen the spectrum of change by a slight margin, one could also witness the adverse effects brought about by change. The massive environmental and ecological changes brought about by innovation, have terraformed the planet beyond repair. This also foreshadows the rapid advancement of an Anthropocene within the next century.

Despite the implementation of international treaties such as the Paris Agreement in 2015, we are nowhere near to curbing the environmental degradation brought upon by our actions. Although change in general isn’t bad, it carries with it a terrible opportunity cost. The opportunity cost being consistent change and innovation, which inevitably leads to rapid environmental challenges in the long run.

Change isn’t something that can fizzle out and die like a firework. It is the very heartbeat of human existence, so long as mankind endures, so does change. Much akin to a cacophony of voices, the yearning to effect change only grows louder and stronger until someone relents to its deafening roar.

Philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche also theorizes that change can also manifest in the form of individual improvement. His concept of an übermensch, discusses the ability to transcend beyond our capabilities to achieve the impossible. He also emphasizes that it is important to identify ones limitations and work towards improving them. As a result, if each individual were to embrace this change wholeheartedly, society would unequivocally undergo improvement as a whole.

Another facet of change that has echoed into the 21st century, is the rise of various freedoms to different groups. The civil rights movement that originated in the United States, echoed all the way into the 21st century, heralding discourse on equality and justice. Feminism which was born as a result of the suffragette movement, has magnified into a powerful voice of its own, seeking to address gender equality, advocacy, along with reshaping legal frameworks. Colonization which seemingly was a boon and bane withdrew from their respective colonies, paving way for decolonization movements across Asia and Africa with the intent of dismantling colonial rule. All of these movements are the result of consistent and gradual changes that were applied periodically over time, thereby giving a voice to the unheard and manifesting into powerful catalysts of change.

Summing the above once again, change is an indispensable facet of existence and its echoes reverberate through all paradigms of life. Understanding, adapting and most importantly learning from it enables individuals to navigate the future with awareness and responsibility. As the world undergoes change in varying dimensions, recognizing its impact is crucial in enabling us to transform ourselves into fruitful contributors, and waking up to a world where the echoes of the past inspire a more impactful and progressive future for all of us.