I’ve been reading a great book about the history of ideas and culture. One thing that has struck me is how long it can take for an idea to take root.
PICTURE: NeONBRAND/Unsplash
An influential person will posit a view that goes against the current culture.
In the next generation this view becomes a minority opinion, but one that has growing traction.
In the next generation this idea shapes how significant leaders write law or develop societal structures.
In the next generation this idea is simply assumed and taken as “the way things have always been”. Indeed, that generation find it hard to believe anyone ever thought differently.
Ideas like equality and freedom have trickled down our society like this.
The influence of a significant person can take 200 years plus to take affect. Amazing!
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
