Now, you've heard or read about how 2012 is supposed to be "the end times," correct? Wrong. 2012 isn't the end of anything. It's supposed to suggest a transition into a new era; a new beginning, if you will.
Since the introduction of science, major innovations have gone from being few and far between (For example, the Printing Press in 1455 to the Gregorian Calendar in 1582,) to where we are now with fantastic technological innovations happening only months apart. Science helps humanity grow at an exponential rate. Think about it; more has happened from 1900-2000 than has from 0-1900 CE. We've transcended evolving at a linear rate to one that is exponential because our capacity to intake and output information has increased vastly. Think about where we were 10 years ago. I couldn't have imagined where we would be now in just 10 years, yet things used to stay the same for hundreds of years at a time earlier in history. I remember when my family talked about getting a cell phone "in case of emergencies." Now, 8 year olds are texting each other on BlackBerrys.
The problem with the myth surrounding 2012 is that it wasn't created in our time, which is the case with Y2K. The theory behind Y2K manifested itself within the last decade of the 20th century because of the trepidation around entering a new millenium. 2012 is supposed to be an idea that has been around for thousands of years. People seem to think that because the myth has been around for so long, it must hold some truth to it. Because of this, so many people have put faith in 2012 due to some obligation to believe the Mayan's because of their advanced astrological marking system.
If 2012 holds any weight, I think it's going to be because humans have given it meaning. In this day an age, mythological tales have been replaced by science and facts. So, with a myth that might have been founded on science, it's only natural that human curiosity has piqued so close to the date of. The key words are "MIGHT HAVE." For all we know, the Mayans could have been tired of mapping out stars and decided they wanted to start their own basketball association only to give up astrology entirely.
Because of this uncertainty, I think the most probable answer for what will happen in 2012 is a shift in global consciousness. I've read too many books filled with too many theories about what's going to happen in 2012 and the one realization I came to is that it seems like everyone and their dog has a theory on 2012. The more I read about what's going to happen, the less I believe that anything will happen. Shifts in the earth's axis, spiritual enlightenment, Tupac being resurrected with a new and improved Kung-Fu grip, it could very well be that people know this is a topic that will sell so they just write about creative ways for humans to die. Naturally, we'll be invested in a story about us dying because we have so much at stake. 2012 is a hot topic on any market right now because WE are the generation that will be affected by it. There's money to make in that.
Knowing that science is increasing at an exponential rate, I think there definitely will be a technological innovation (Hell, there'll be many!) that sends us spiralling into a new era that people will use as a scapegoat to validate the 2012 phenomena. Humans love doing that. If you're looking for something, you'll find it. Honestly, I think this is what's going to happen and I don't think you'll be able to convince people who believe in mystery of 2012 because they WANT to believe in it.
Regardless, I'm just happy to grow up in the era we're in. If we've progressed as much as we have in just 10 years, imagine where we're going to be in another 10. Or 20. I hope you're as excited as I am.
- Umed Abdullah
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