Pre-WWII Britain saw radical changes after Nazi Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. It seems important not to conflate “carry on” with “keep doing the same things the same way”. And “carry on” is a deceptively nuanced instruction. ![]() He may survive the rest of us, but it feels like precious little else of civilization-defining value would survive with him and his increasingly closely-related kin.īut there’s more to it than just keeping calm. The guy I saw in Costco wearing a military gas mask, tactical boots, and camouflage vest seemed to be living his own personal dream. What we need now – as always – are considered, considerate, and constructive perseverers. The proliferation of bias-pandering mass media venues and the virtual viralities of the Internet seem to embolden crackpot preppers and prognosticators. ![]() Hysteria is arguably far more of a danger in today’s over-populated, hyper-connected world than it was in the distinctly more message-controlled societies of the mid-twentieth century. Several things seem important about this slogan in light of present exigencies.įirst is the admonition to keep calm. It is nearly impossible not to think of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” motivational slogan conceived by the British Government in 1939 at the onset of the Second World War.Īt the time, the slogan was meant to encapsulate the imperative of continuing to function – both as productive individuals and as a coherent, cooperating society – in the face of a clear and present existential threat, namely the prospect of Nazi occupation.
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