Early this morning I was reading an English translation of the Essays of Montaigne published in 1877. The author Michel de Montaigne was born February 28, 1533. Not surprisingly many of his allusions were fundamental reflections upon then current social principles. Among those elemental references was one to the familial obligation for the preservation of humanity. In its broader perspective, the duty is for propagation of the species (reproduction by natural processes from the parent stock).

This is a charge I have never endured. Looking back upon the brief history of my lifetime I cannot imagine how I might have fulfilled the undertaking. For one thing I was – and still am – far too dedicated to my personal expression to have extended the ambit to include others. In a word, my selfishness competes with any such class distinction. Nonetheless I very much admire those who have devoted themselves to the upbringing of a family; and, it requires little deliberation to value the evident continuation of the parent to the child. Recognizably the natural persuasion of the process makes for a compelling fuel.

Yet the evolution of mankind has adjusted to change. As always the universe is ultimately personal, by which I mean the remodelling takes place on the visible individual level, not contracted or disguised in any less apparent format. This does not imply the reshaping is one of social acceptability; but the alteration cannot be contradicted. I have read of certain indigenous groups who tolerated members of their tribe who were “different” (as though the uniformity of one were healthful for the preservation of another). Society has also created its own perversions for its seeming improvement; viz., the castrati (a practice not banned until 1903).

The perception of change is seldom easily discerned.  Change – because of its predominantly natural features – is a fluid or versatile adjustment; and, it is one which cannot be thwarted. Its flexibility often camouflages the adaptation. But over a period of years for example the transition from one objective to another can be more readily seen.

If one were to list the manner in which adjustment to change has transpired over a lifetime, I suspect we would be amazed by the conclusion. It is the very unremarkable appearance of change which conflicts with the frequency of its account. Yet – if we compare the development of a town over a similar period of five decades or more – the modification and conformity are irrefutable. Our personal adjustment to change is no less incontrovertible.

My most recent rendition of change is the deliberate contemplation of life in a manner less confined by former prejudices. The prejudices to which I allude are those which tighten the reins upon my own performance. I am not speaking of bigotry or unfairness; rather, of preconceived notions or impairments. It is an infrequent accommodation of thought which precipitates an adjustment to change. We are plagued by the settlement that our focus upon life is inalterable. This ignores the dominion governing that control. Few of us are prepared to undertake change when we imagine the status to be irreversible. If we are persuaded to give change a chance, the effort is regularly seen as a capitulation to a desired state though without the entitlement of moderation.

Finally there is the notable alternative to avoid change. This is not my preferred conduct. But one must admit there are many who perceive the world in a comfortable manner, preferring on balance to avoid disruption of what they find to be agreeable. Some may even position themselves to recall an era before change thereby isolating the immutable features from perceived violation.

But my experience is that society is devoted to more than propagation. There is also a swath of thinking determined to incorporate the subtle variations of change which exceed the boundaries of humanity. The mere dynamics surrounding animals have realigned much of human sensitivity. And with all this intelligence of extraterrestrial beings, the adjustment to change is inevitable.