End of Alphabet Marks
End of Eras
The beginning of this new decade surely gives cause to worry about its place in history and its …
ZEITGEIST (ʹtsīt-,gīst) n. – the
general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era. [WW #275]
A zeitgeist isn't just any old group of years. It needs a certain spirit or character that makes it historically notable.
The zeitgeist of which the dictionary speaks, does not register the physical or monetary state of an era. Yet, so much of our current zeitgeist (as it surely shall be known) is a bi-product of the pandemic and its deleterious personal health and financial effects on our “intellectual, moral, and cultural climate.”
Taken as a whole, today’s zeitgeist may be an anomaly for this century; however, the 1970s of the 20th century set the precedence in recent history. Perhaps minus the global pandemic … but there were plenty of ills to be avoided 50 years ago, as well.
We’re the first to worry out loud … over and
over … with anger and rancor … and blame everyone …with fake stats or real …
vehemently and with quiet, insidious malice … in social media and podcasts.
Those who play the blame game will eventually fade into the fog of this zeitgeist era, while those who look toward the future to resolve problems without blame, will live on long after death.
What will the rest of this exceptional decade’s zeitgeist hold? Depends if the blamers or the futurists dominate. We can’t change history, but we have the power to shape a future that will become our history. What do we want it to be? Me … I’m looking ahead, how about you?
So authors, are you writing a book or short
story of an era that zeitgeist could define? Or perhaps ready to wow your friends w
ith an updated
vocabulary in your first social distancing party. Write on …
Word Challenge: ZEITGEIST. Consider with broad strokes, the encompassing background of your story, as you fit zeitgeist into your week of panoramic writings and clever conversations.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
Cheers to learning a new word today!
@Irishwriter
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]
*Note: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may result in legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
