by Michael Willeman

Created on: January 21, 2007   Last Updated: December 19, 2007

The interesting thing about change is that even though it's largely the result of necessity, it's generally an unwelcome concept in the opinions of those who seemingly benefit from what has previously been established. What makes it interesting is the knowledge that what is now established, was done so through the advent of change.

The phenonmenon can be seen in just about every context imaginable. Modern day principals and practices have a great deal of contrast to what lies in the pages of history. Warfare has changed dramatically with the innovations of the technological revolution, which is far different than the wars that were waged in lieu of the industrial revolution, which in many ways can be attributed to the changes in tactics employed by the revolutionaries who would eventually come to be known as the founding fathers of the United States. Each example of the past shows a consistency, most obviously the perpetuation of the concept of war, but also the evolution spurred by change itself. It's easy enough to assume that each warrior, of each generation held fast to their methods, knowing what they knew and nothing else, the process of battle had to be redefined to reflect the advancements that were being made. My guess is that active recruitment, up to date training, modification of parameters for the purpose of strategic superiority, are the things most responsible for the success of the changes that have been made.

The automotive industry would also be a very good case study for the advent of change. In little more than a century we've successfully gone from horseless carriages to the automobile, even some amphibious and some aerial capable versions have been introduced. Innovations in design, advancements in production methods, security features, suspension, drive train, power sources and virtually every other facet of the industry can be seen in virtually every parking lot. Vehicles can climb mountains, traverse swamps, ascend and descend as the terrain demands, tuned, refined and in many ways literally redefined, all in the name of progress and advancement, all for the sake of safety efficiency and convenience, all necessary according to the evidence that we've compiled, through history til present day, embracing change, as painful as it might be, doing away with the old in light of the new, a process like no other, the unwavering dynamic of change.

One area where we are most reluctant to accept change is in the realm of personal belief. Be it spiritual,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>