Who can prophesy peace, or vow Futurity for any but armed insects

Who can prophesy peace, or vow Futurity for any but armed insects

📖 Allen Ginsberg

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Poet

🎂 June 3, 1926  –  ⚰️ April 5, 1997
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This evocative quote invites reflection on the nature of peace, foresight, and the delicate or perhaps trivial entities we often prioritize in our foresight and hopes. The phrase 'prophesy peace' suggests the uncertainty and perhaps futility tied to predicting or fostering true harmony in a world fraught with conflict. When the statement references 'vow Futurity,' it hints at commitments or promises for the future—yet these vows seem fragile or illusory when juxtaposed with the bleak image of 'armed insects.' Insects, small and seemingly insignificant, symbolize vulnerability, persistence, or perhaps rebellion. The adjective 'armed' adds a surreal, almost absurd layer to the imagery, implying that even these tiny creatures are defensively equipped, perhaps mocking the often disproportionate or ill-conceived efforts humans make to safeguard their future. Overall, the quote underscores the fragility of human projections of peace—whether they are prophetic declarations or vows—when the foundation is as insubstantial or as perilous as insects prepared for conflict. It suggests that real security and harmony might be unattainable unless we recognize the relative insignificance of our fears and ambitions at the scale of the natural world. It challenges the reader to consider the sincerity and efficacy of our commitments and the often humorous or tragic illusions we cling to, especially when told that even the smallest, seemingly powerless beings are armed and ready for conflict. It evokes a poignant sense of humility in the face of chaos, urging us to temper our hopes with awareness of our limitations and the unpredictable contingencies of life.

(The Fall of America: Poems of These States 1965 - 1971) – ---Allen Ginsberg---

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