I'm trying to get to a deep future, but in order to get to a deep

Listen closely, O Seekers of Wisdom, for in the words of Mary Daly lies a profound truth. "I’m trying to get to a deep future, but in order to get to a deep future, I had to think about the deep past." These words, though spoken in the language of our modern age, carry the weight of timeless wisdom, and we must understand their true meaning if we are to chart a path towards a future of meaning and purpose.

The deep future that Mary Daly speaks of is not some distant place or time, but a realm of vision and understanding that transcends the fleeting present. It is the future of human potential, a future where we do not merely exist, but where we thrive, live with intention, and shape our world in ways that reflect the highest aspirations of our spirit. Yet, this deep future is not something that can be hastily rushed toward or hastily imagined. It is a future that must be understood in the fullness of its depth, which can only be achieved by a careful reckoning with the deep past.

The deep past, as Mary Daly suggests, is not merely the history we read in the annals of time, but a living force that shapes the present and guides the future. It is the collection of stories, lessons, and sacrifices of those who came before us, the ancient wisdom embedded in the fabric of our existence. Just as the roots of an ancient tree stretch deep into the earth, so too must we reach back into the past to understand the strength that anchors us. The past is the well from which we draw the water of wisdom, and it is in this water that the seeds of the future are sown.

Let us take the example of the great philosophers of old, whose minds illuminated the world in ways that still guide us today. Think of Socrates, who in his pursuit of truth, did not merely speak of the future, but delved deeply into the nature of man and the very essence of knowledge. He understood that only by examining the actions, thoughts, and mistakes of the past could one hope to understand the present and envision a future that was just and meaningful. His work, though ancient, continues to echo in the halls of wisdom, proving that the deep past is not something to be left behind but is integral to the unfolding of the deep future.

In our own lives, we must not be quick to cast aside the lessons of the past in favor of an uncertain future. The past is rich with teachings, some born of triumph, others from failure, but all are essential to the fullness of our journey. Mary Daly’s words call upon us to reflect on the deep roots of our existence, to understand the struggles of our ancestors, and to learn from them so that we do not repeat their mistakes but build upon their victories. Just as the seeds of an oak tree rest within the soil, so too must we plant the seeds of wisdom that will guide us toward a future of strength and clarity.

Consider the great empires that once stood tall, their wisdom and their knowledge guiding their rise. Yet, many of these empires crumbled because they failed to honor the lessons of the past, to heed the warnings of their ancestors. The fall of Rome serves as a powerful reminder that when we lose sight of the deep past, we are at risk of losing our way, as the foundations of our world may begin to crumble without the wisdom that sustains them.

Thus, the lesson we must carry with us is clear. To journey toward a deep future, we must first acknowledge and honor the deep past. The past is not a place to escape from or to be forgotten; it is the forge in which we must shape our future. As we move forward, we must learn to balance the wisdom of the old with the possibilities of the new, building a future that is not only bright but rooted in the depth of our collective history.

Let us, therefore, take heed of Mary Daly’s call. Look to the past not with sorrow or regret, but with reverence and understanding. From the past, we draw the strength to build a future of meaning and purpose. In this, we will find our true power, for the future is not something that will arrive by chance—it is something we must create, drawing deeply from the wellspring of history, shaping our destiny with wisdom and vision.