First Lines, First Contact, First Impressions (91)

Quintessential quotes. “Do not ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” -“I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” -“Knowing what must be done does away with fear.” And “I have a dream.” They move us. 

These quotes inspire us. Drive humanity forward. Push us to be better. These quotes have been spoken many times- the first being the most profound. From the mouths of these great men and women came hope.

In this current situation, far less dire than many that have come before it, we are afraid. We are myopic at times. We are exhausted. Frazzled. Many losing their optimism. But we must keep our front lines fortified.

Our first lines of defense strong. Our first interchanges optimistic. Today, I went through my bookshelf and took out a few books. I have a lot- I am an avid reader.

I chose some of the opening lines- the first set of words in these books. The sentences that launched a novel. The hooks that lured me in. They are very much relevant and ironic in fact. They inspired me to write about the world we live in.

And it made me see that, as much as society has evolved, as much as technology has surpassed anything most of these writers could imagine- we are still conquering many of the same obstacles.

A screaming comes across the sky. —Thomas Pynchon, Gravity's Rainbow (1973)

This invasion came over from a distant land or so it seemed. For awhile we felt safe, like it was never going to reach our shores in mass. Yet, it did. A reminder that our world is global. We are connected via air, land and sea.

It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. —George Orwell, 1984 (1949)

As we enter April it feels like a curse. Like a Friday the 13^th evil plot. Superstitious I am not. But, being cooped up inside, now until May 4^th- the force does not feel like it is with me. It feels like we are under siege.

Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. —Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937)

We see glimpses of hopes, that there will be an end in sight. But we know the world will never be the same. This is the Titanic event, the Black Swan of this new century. We will endure but we will be distanced, and this will leave a mark. Society is going to be different.

I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it was a different story. —Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome (1911)

This quote speaks for itself. Find reliable resources.

In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (1937)

We are all Baggins’ these days. Hopefully safe in our Shire. Yet, we crave adventure like Bilbo. We will fight orcs, goblins and Gollum’s in our minds. But if we find our quest, gather our collective, we will conquer them.

The year 1866 was signalized by a remarkable incident, a mysterious and inexplicable phenomenon, which doubtless no one has yet forgotten. - Jules Verne, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1870)

This incident Covid-19, Corona Virus- what ever name you choose to package it- is simply mind boggling. We are experiencing a life changing alteration to our mindset. We will never see the world, the same again. Now even the smallest of invaders will be remembered on a large scale- the scale of world wars and natural disasters. It will be one of many inexplicable phenomenon to come. It is the moment, hopefully, that humanity pauses and comes together. To cooperate to solve the problems of today on a global scale.

“Everyone my age remembers where they were and what they were doing when they first heard about the contest.” – Ernest Cline -Ready Player One (2011)

First’s are important. These opening phrases leapt off the page. They are memorable and inspiring. Mindfulness and positivity will create first impressions that will last long after the distancing has eased up a bit. Rudeness and trolling will also leave an impression- that those who are behaving badly, will not shake any time soon.

Respond not react.

Believe in humanity- we are basically good. There are those who taint the initial reaction. They halt our first response; we are unsure of how to. It shocks us. So, leave those behind and find those who instantly- you know have a mindful presence. 

Follow those who spread joy and camaraderie. Ignore those that spread fear and isolation.

Be there for one another. For after this first- 21^st century pandemic, when the dust settles- it will be those that left a positive impact that will be remembered fondly. Build your community- they will be the voice of reason, the first line of chapters in your story.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."