Scarlett O'Hara Was Right

"I'll think about that tomorrow," she said. Her decision was wise. When confronted with problems we cannot solve or situations we cannot comprehend, adopting a state of blissful ignorance is the mind's first line of defense.

The world presents us with such problems and situations every day – the dangerous drivers, the degeneration of popular culture, the deterioration of society's infrastructure, the predatory human beasts that roam the earth in search of victims.

We can choose to be vigilant and involved, or detached and indifferent. The first choice can frustrate and depress; the second can soothe and comfort.

For those who tend to be obsessive, it is a no-brainer. Given a choice between caring too much and going crazy, or not caring enough and staying sane, the survivor, like Scarlett, chooses apathy.

We cannot fault those of our youth who have determined that their legacy of greed, hypocrisy and shortsighted self-interest cannot be overcome. Call their response dumbing down if you will, but don’t call it copping out. One can almost admire the common sense of it.

As for the rest of us, we must carefully weigh the consequences of engagement with no promises. A pragmatist will focus on self-preservation, just as Scarlett did. An idealist will find the spiritual strength to go on hoping for answers.

Scarlett was right about something else. Tomorrow is another day.