What went wrong?

What went wrong?(Kevin Hughes) “What went wrong?”

“I don’t know.”

“This is unbelievable.”

“I know. We gave them free energy, long life, every material object they could possibly want. Still, they aren’t happy. Or, most of them are not happy in any significant way.

“Any ideas why? Theories, hypothesis, Social structure…to be honest, I am willing to listen to any idea, suggestion, or harebrained ludicrous explanation at this point.”

“Well…I have two thoughts…”

“Please, share them.”

“Okay. First I think they developed their bubble society without being aware of its ramifications. I think, and this is just guessing on my part, they forgot that Humans are social animals. They elevated the status of the Individual, of the self, of the me, or I, to the point that they no longer can tolerate each other, let alone a group. They live in tiny bubbles, called: houses or apartments. Then they drive ( in a car, a portable bubble that can hold five or six, but usually has just one of them in it.“) to a place called “Work.” At work, they usually work in a tiny bubble called a “cubicle, or office,” then, after most of the day is gone, they get in their tiny portable bubble for an hour alone, until they get back to their own bubble- alone. "

“ Alone? How many of their beings live in these “houses or apartments?”

“As few as one, as many as five or six. Any more than two, and they are either related (what they call family) or they are roommates- where, for financial reasons a person not related to them, helps pay for the house or apartment. “

“And…they like this?”

“Oh, yes. In fact, they are taught to live on their own. It is called: independence. Most of them are trying to live by themselves - alone. They consider that being single, and self reliant.”

“You mean they separate themselves from companionship, and being around other beings - on purpose?”

“Yes. It is considered a high complement to be able to support yourself, and count on no one for help.”

“Oh…dear…oh…my…I can’t…by choice you say?”

“Yes. I think it is a form of mental illness, but they don’t seem to realize why they are so depressed. Why most of them feel unimportant, and disconnected. They don’t even understand why they have no meaning to their lives.”

“ “Don’t they have communities?”

“Yes, but the interactions are short. Sometimes an hour or so, like Church, or Road Races. Some, like music festivals, or bars ( a sort of club, that serves alcohol), can be gathering places for a night, or even a weekend. "

“Hmmm…and the second thought?”

“Well…this one is a little tougher to understand. I think, and again, I am guessing here. I think they are to wrapped up in their bodies. Specifically, the sexual aspects of their individual bodies. I know this is beyond reason, but I think they have only learned how to love sexually. Their partners, at least for the majority, have to be someone they can have sex with. Even if they are the same sex, they still have to have a physical aspect to their “love.”

“That can’t be true!”

“You asked for my thoughts. I gave them.”

“Yes. You did. I apologize. I think I might even understand what you are trying to say. Love that isn’t sex based, is reserved for children, Mom, or Dad, or siblings, or close friends? “

“Exactly. The don’t seem to realize that it is possible to Love Everyone- and that sex is the thing that should be applied only to minor status. Heck, in long term relationships, sex seems to drop off considerably. They can’t seem to make the connection that their love continues to grow, even if the physical display of that love becomes less, and and less a part of their everyday life. Especially as they age. “

“I remember having a talk with one of their Elders ( a sad look passed between the two…for having an Elder be only 80 years old…well, it is sad.) and he said that there was more intimacy in a quiet conversation with a partner of 40 years- or partners of that duration holding hands, than there is in a romp in the hay for a 25 year old.”

“What is a “romp in the hay?”

“I had one of our Historians look it up. Apparently, sex was proscribed for anyone not having a legally binding piece of paper, limiting sex to one person- forever. It was called a : “Marriage License.”

“WHAT?!”

“Wait, I am not done with the History yet. When they hit that stage of development where hormones, youth, and desire... merge (they smiled at this - for all species have a similar right of passage. One that is just as innocent and endearing, and remarkable.) they had to sneak off to a barn to explore each other. According to my sources, later that century, they moved from the barn to the backseat of a car. ( A car is a combustion driven conveyance that had a seat in the back for no other practical reason then this “romp in the hay” ritual) There was a whole language developed so that teenagers (that is what they call the group of mating maniacs) could relay their plans to each other: Making out, necking, submarine races (had to look that one up too. It is a boat that sinks…on purpose. What strange creatures these folks are.) going to the Valley, petting…and a whole list of other codes. They even invented a place to bring the back seat to, so that they could perform their rituals…it was called a “drive-in movie.”

Both of them smiled again, remembering back to their early mating meetings. Though not restricted to one other being, and certainly not expected to be something to build a lifetime together on, like humans tried to do. Still it was an innocent, passionate, and extremely delightful period of existence. No real duties to society or family. No careers or job pursuits, just a delayed entry into “real world” day to day existence. They both sighed, and let the memories sift through their minds.

“Okay. So have any of them progressed past the limits of their biology?”

“Well, we have found several. Most of them are folks who - for physical reasons- cannot mate, or don’t want to mate. They seem to have found a way to love several people with the intensity of the the sexually dominated romance ideal favored by most males and females- but without the limitations of physical contact, and constant companionship. They have a group called: “Gamers” who seem to form truly great friendships, that are very loving, without every meeting each other. “

“So, they know it is possible. Some of have achieved it. Why can’t they teach it to everyone?”

“Funnily enough, some have tried to do just that. Most of the ones who believed in “love” gathered followers. Unfortunately, those followers formed something called “Religion”, and taught themselves to hate anyone who does not love like they do. Or, if they don’t follow the person who first preached love to them, but some other person, or way to love, then they are considered to not “have the true religion.”

“Oh, this is giving me a headache. Are you telling me that they use Love as an excuse to hate other people?”

Silence.

“Yes.”

“What went wrong?”