Why?
That could be the question of the day, or the week, month or year. In fact, it could probably be considered the question that has haunted mankind since the evolution of recorded history -- and earlier.
The word "why" is one of the first questions that face parents as their children grow. And it becomes more acute in answer-seeking as time passes.
Perhaps "why" could be considered one of the basic foundations which have provided the progress that has given us the many used-to-be-considered luxuries we enjoy today, the many amenities that are so much a part of everyday living we take for granted: ball-point pens, no-iron clothing, safety pins, ice cubes, polio vaccinations, air conditioning and, yes, cell phones.
What would happen to the world if all cell phones and computers were inoperable for a week, a day ... or even five minutes?
Yes, "why" is now, and always has been, a powerful word. It has resulted in so many good things. But there is another side of "why" that challenges mankind every day. A side that puzzles thinkers, governing bodies, mothers and fathers and the civilized world as a whole.
The "why" that comes to mind very quickly is when we read in the newspaper or hear on TV, in social media or in our everyday discussion: "Why" do people, particularly younger people, succumb to the desire to join such a movement as ISIS, the barbaric invasions occurring in the Middle East?
Why would anyone be tempted to join a movement that not only overruns cities, murders, rapes and tortures its captives -- and whose obvious objective is to conquer the world -- even stooping to the destruction of ancient relics and structures centuries old?
Sadly, the present is not new. Not only have similar atrocities been a part of our world in recent years, during the past century, but throughout the recorded history of a society that struggles to improve through the positive answers "why" poses.
Even more sad is that almost every conflict, whether worldwide or at a lesser level, is so often hidden within the boundaries or many times proclaimed as part of a so-called religious principle.
Every "why" that faces each individual every day, no matter how large or small the "why" and its answer may be -- such as, "Why were these words put down on paper this week?" -- deserves an answer.
I don't have an answer, just a simple observation: Enjoy the changing season as the hot summer days evolve into a colorful and leisurely-paced autumn. It's a how and why that has challenged the greatest questioners of all times, whose most logical answer may be to forget the why and just enjoy ... and always remember the enjoyment of snowfall on a crisp day will soon follow, to be eclipsed by an awakening spring. Enjoy? Why? Why not?
Dodie Evans is the former publisher and editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 09/09/2015