Evil deeds and hard times have always been around. However, they seem to be more salient recently with the bad economy, terrorist attacks and threats, recent murderous shooting rampages in the US and Germany, etc. etc. Life to me is full of dualities....light/dark, evil/good, hope/despair, night/day, etc.
As I listen and re-explore the vast ecyclopedia of ARR's music, hearing the various world musical genres in fusion, co-existing and harmonizing peacefully within a single song or album, the symbolism of that fusion and peaceful and celebratory co-existence struck me as so important in a time when hatred, ignorance, poverty, and violence threaten our very well being and lives. Hearing ARR's music helps me to think about all the varied, colorful, beautiful world cultures that surround us and the importance of maintaining peace and harmony for our well being. As I've said before, his music represents the best of humanity....colorful, vibrant, tolerant, peaceful, going beyond artificial boundaries. There are only a few things in this life, in this world right now that are giving me hope for a better future for humanity. ARR's music is one of those things. At the risk of sounding ideal and naive, why can't we live peacefully? Why can't we raise our children with peace and tolerance, teaching them good valuea that promote peacful co-existence and tolerance with different people and cultures? I know it's complex and it's a problem that won't just go away by itself. ARR's music to me represents so much much more than just immediate entertainment and mood uplifting. The philosophy behind his music, his message has never been more important to embrace than now. God, save us from ourselves and may peace be our future.
