Human Festivities

"There are human festivities that, in one way or another, transcend hemispheres and even civilizations. The way it's celebrated, rooted in paganism (though it's always pagan), with its level of noise, festivity, emotion, or resentment, has made it special. And sometimes in history, it has been "the last for a long time" in world peace. In a mutual feeling of human love, beyond desire and ambition, far beyond what it represents to feign festivity and the satisfaction of a table where food is abundant and served by those who are obliged to even throw those leftovers in the trash. Well, in the end, it's not a question of anything, but of satiety. And as time has passed, humans have forgotten that many times it was about spending the cold winter together and supporting each other, in the worst of times, or seeking hope in the midst of the desolation created by humanity itself, at those times. I was expecting the three ghosts of Christmas to visit me, but I wasn't so lucky. In any case, on this winter night, he was simply sipping his Marc with a certain delicacy by the fire, while outside there was a silence, a calm that can only be felt in the Alps. With each sip, he thought of those other festivities before his first ocean voyage. Those frustrating loves, amidst the violence, and the first disappointments. The longings amidst the dancing, the torches, the sound of gunfire and fireworks, the drums, and the laughter and tears. Always, in the end, some die to remember the following year.  It would be unfair to name someone from that time; there could be several, so it would be worthwhile to mention them all, even those who end up being blamed.

Civilization fundamentally relies on cooperation, which requires understanding, communication, and the recognition of differences. Over time, norms and rules grounded in reason, not deities, emerged. Knowledge, more than violence, became the source of power through reason and empathy, helping to build nations and a species that values life. It admires nature and its curiosity, daring to explore and create. Despite pettiness and greed, there's a persistent belief that good intentions, what people believe, regardless of religion, culture, or ethnicity, will ultimately prevail. However, common sense is often elusive, and minorities play a dual role: they sustain civilization yet also oppress it, while the majority, influenced by their own stupidity, usually passively facilitates this. Why? Fear? Frustration? Anger?  It is said, then, that the strength of intelligence and empathy must be powerful enough, not to resist, but to overcome tyranny and stupidity, even if it comes from a minority. I can't forget. And that's okay, especially if I learn from what I remember. How can I forget what I did for her? No one should forget love, nor write for love, nor paint, compose, or sincerely seek that love. Not just once, but several times. Even if she has different names in each attempt. I've done incredible things for that love, and although now, alone in the relative cold of this winter, after having crossed not only this ocean, but all oceans, the ghosts can only reproach me for having been me. Without disloyalty, with missteps, and despite all the fears and realities, I was me. Isn't spite the best excuse for human festivities throughout history? Benevolence too. It would be fair to say her name. Even though she herself wanted it to be unmentionable. I'll prepare myself a second drink then.

True friendship, brotherhood, and community go beyond religion and what is sought; they give humanity a profound meaning by involving not only individuals but the entire species, its history, and potential future. At what point do we focus solely on the present and accumulation, neglecting the legacy that could elevate humans beyond the stars, beyond profit and wealth? Knowledge and empathy, along with compassion and morality, require the strength to protect life, not just to resist, but to confront and overcome oppression. Wisdom and intelligence are essential to end endurance and defeat violence. Past resistance efforts differed, often misrepresented to justify current tyranny, but the human consciousness forged through life remains unquenchable. These diverse flames of hope, despite everything, symbolize rebellion. Many might see these as mere wishes, but they are real. Those who do not see them will decide whether to be part of them, part of life’s potential for human happiness. Despite everything, hope endures. No need or ambition justifies evil. And those who were my lovers? The second drink is worth it. But first, or why not at the same time, just give them two sips, those platonic loves. Those who only remained as a smile, a sigh, or a dream. No more. Their names are even shorter. And they know it, and they smile with a certain joy and feeling, even if the story was nonetheless fantastic. I just think about how I admired, loved, and desired them. In some cases, it was more than just a desire, and something happened, but that spark that amazed me was lost in the smoke of time, convenience, and what they call destiny, even though it's just human will, more than context. I just think about how I admired, loved, and desired them. In some cases, it was more than just a desire, and something happened, but that spark that amazed me was lost in the smoke of time, convenience, and what they call destiny, even though it's just human will, more than context.

These human celebrations that prompt reflection also inspire us to gather strength against oppression, fostering solidarity and unity to combat forces that end lives. Isn't that the essence of hope? It's never about fueling ambition or submitting to oppression. Hope, distinct from faith, gives us the power to choose not to accept abuse and to collectively move toward something new, a better chapter in human evolution and life itself. It is about rejecting terror and dependency as the only possible futures, and embracing serenity, fearlessness, active movement, and courage. Hope (and optimism) deserve the best of human festivities. Those wonderful women. They, my lovers. They think of me and let me know somehow. Isn't there any love more sincere? Even if it's just called desire?  I would assert that their actions show greater sincerity than those of that mature woman who accused me of being basic, despite having sex with my supposed best friend. Notably, he is also the individual who had an affair with one of my sources of inspiration. Of course, he was angry at being discovered by his partner, the mother of his child, whom he likely influences not by his principles but by his opportunism. But I only remember how wonderful those moments were when we laughed naked with them, wonderful women, after their orgasms, after moments of mutual pleasure. There were no ghosts of Christmases that have passed, will come, or are passing... why does it have to be like that?"