The cat-a-lyst Book

Revolution or Renaissance?
Commentary by Lisa Igoe
Printed in The Other Paper November, 1999

    Two great cultural forces have drastically altered the human condition. They have provided the framework for social interaction and defined the course of human history.

Those forces are Revolution and Renaissance.

    By definition, Revolution is an over throw--usually violent--of a political system not supported by the people. In most instances, social conditions have reached a boiling point of injustice and the people rise up to confront what they see as the source of their problems.

    Renaissance, on the other hand, is a period of cultural and spiritual enlightenment. It is a rebirth of the noblest traits of humankind, a reconnection with the natural world. The inspiration and imagination that has flowed from Renaissance has produced the most beautiful art, literature, and philosophy known to history.

    Both Revolution and Renaissance are a response to dissatisfaction with the status quo. More simply, they are a response to the need for change. The only difference is the vehicle chosen for that change. Revolution occurs when people attempt to create change by fighting injustice-Renaissance occurs when people choose to create change by rising above injustice.

    Revolutions are certain to bring change, but are the changes that result from Revolution really what we should be looking for? The horrible bloodiness of the French Revolution was followed by the domination of Europe by Napoleon. The American Revolution freed colonists from English tyranny but did not free Americans from the confines of slavery, class struggle, or unfair taxation. The Spiritual Revolution of the sixties was immediately followed by the greed and selfishness of the eighties.

    Renaissance also creates change, but in a more imaginative, peaceful manner. The political and religious restraints of the middle Ages restricted personal freedom, dictated artistic expression, and persecuted those who disagreed with the Church or government. They were Dark times. Eventually, people realized that they were living lives void of expression-color-inspiration. From this discovery sprang the greatest period of expression our modern world has ever known. Humanists revived a collective spirit that had lied dormant for centuries. The priorities of leadership and the demands of the public shifted from fear-based persecution to a human celebration of creativity and life. Renaissance revived both individuals and society by creating a vision of human potential and beauty.

    Renaissance is not a passive choice in the arena of social change. Rather, it is the most proactive, progressive stance a community can develop. It requires a great personal commitment, open-mindedness, and mutual support. It requires action. A spirit of Renaissance challenges each and every individual to not only rediscover their imagination but also to actively express that which they find.

    We are at a critical junction in modern history. Environmental collapse is a very real threat and the ability for armies to destroy civilization has never been so clear. Multinational corporations use their extensive influence to propagandize our youth and dictate our choices. All around us unhealthy decisions are being made. Exploitation of the human spirit runs rampant and disrespect for our organic nature seems commonplace. Some, especially the most vocal youth, are already calling for Revolution. They are demanding change.

    But their appeals fall on deafened ears. People seem to be paralysed by the enormity of the task we must undertake. We must dissolve outdated, destructive thought processes. We must reverse environmental destruction. We must create a social vision that includes everyone. We must solve our problems in intelligent, creative, sustainable ways.

We must change our world-and our means must be as noble as our ends.

    Is it more effective to try and chase the darkness out of a room, or turn on a light? Protest and Revolution are a swing into the darkness. We cannot fight the darkness of our enemy because the enemies are our families, our friends, our teachers, and our selves. If we look at ourselves honestly, we will find that the darkness is as alive inside of us as it is in the world. But this is how we learn. This is how we change. We look at that in our lives and in our community that is wasteful and destructive and then we replace it with what is creative and kind. We turn on the Light. We create Renaissance. With each passing moment we can choose to be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem.

Used with permission of the author. Thank you Lisa.