POSTED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
The world has changed. There are so many components that are different than what our institutions, economies and conventions are based on, it is difficult to see where this is going. Climate, pandemics, Artificial Intelligence, wars, economies, and conventions of human interaction are all in major upheaval.
When one element changes some will pivot, or adapt or recalibrate for the new conditions. Fortunes have been made and lost on individuals’ , corporations or countries, ability to adapt.
But sometimes the change is so fundamental, it is not really about learning to adapt to a new style of play, or a new high level of play but that it has become a different game altogether. When we get the flu, we quickly shift into a resting mode, but when we have a heart attack or stroke the shift required is in a very different league. One that we may or may not be able to execute quickly enough.
I don’t really know which of the change triggers I listed above is of most concern to me as they are all outside my control and even outside my expertise to really understand. I don’t get how governments can spend wildly on wars and not have to at one point increase taxes or reduce services? The wildfires, hurricanes, droughts and floods are now all happening with unprecedented frequency. Whole populations are on the move trying to survive, while a small percentage of the population live with immense wealth and are often not taxed. And in democracies, so many voters now seem to only be concerned with their own immediate needs, not the best long-term strategies for society. They will vote for lower taxes instead of voting for improving poverty, illness, the environment, or even sustainable practices in infrastructure.
I read papers and watch credible news sources to keep up, but am often finding it hard to keep my optimist perspective.
I don’t have any big insight here. But here in Malta, on a boat in the ocean, and a sunny day, all I can do is go about my day trying to be kind and helpful to others and find some joy in the activities I pursue.
Django