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Arnold Joseph Toynbee, the author of Study of History, argues that the
well-being of a civilization depends on its ability to respond successfully
to challenges, human and environmental. Tracing the history of human race,
Toynbee develops his ‘challenge and response’ thesis based on the
premise that every civilization encounters challenges at one point and its
survival depends on the leadership’s response. In short, the onus falls on
leaders to protect their nations from ultimate demise in face of political,
economic, military and other ordeals. At times, nations rise from the ashes
of defeat and regain their glory mindful of their vulnerability and
determined to take lessons of past mistakes.
Today, Iranians stand at the
crossroad of history with memories of short-lived glory, polarizing
affects of revolution and war, and an unknown future. Their tremulous
experiences may be the single distinctive reason for reluctance to
change.
In the 20th century, Iran has
been the center stage for policies and reforms that have produced
incredible results with ensuing metamorphosis of a feudal society and
its emergence as a pseudo-modern nation-state. History records the
fast paced modernization process under the Pahlavis whose proactive
response and leadership have inspired the nation’s resurrection from
ashes of defeat and humility. Within a short time span, Iranians have
made the remarkable transition from dark ages without going through
periods of renaissance, enlightenment, industrial revolution, etc.
With reforms having been imposed from above, the modernization process
has created a cultural rift between traditional and Western oriented
segments of society.
It can be argued that the 1979
Iranian revolution has been partially due to leadership’s failures
to build solid institutions capable of withstanding challenges of
time. And we all know what has happened afterwards…
Thus, let us distance ourselves
from the past and move closer towards a brighter future.
Let us declare this moment in our
nation’s history as the ‘zero hour’ and take on new challenges
with a positive attitude beginning with forgiving our worst enemies
and forgetting past hostilities as the initial milestone to national
reconciliation.
Envision a new beginning whereby
Iranians embrace change from within starting with a cultural shift
towards tolerance, compassion and compromise.
To meet new challenges of time,
Iranians need to embrace these values, work towards nation building,
and regain international recognition as peace loving people.
As a nation, Iranians need to
recognize and respect diversity in beliefs and opinions, demonstrate
understanding for the suffering of others, and accommodate concession
for the common good.
Tolerance, compassion and
compromise are noble ideas that constitute the foundation of a
harmonious and peaceful society. These ideas may be perfected over
time but nothing should prevent us from breaking apart the mold of
past cultural practices.
Tested by time and challenged by
internal and external forces, Iranians have now the opportunity to
self-acknowledge their potentials and bring forth change under the
leadership of a new generation capable to overcome social polarization
and distrust. It is possible to build a strong foundation for national
consensus and the resurrection of a proud civilization.
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