The Legacy of Wallace Henry Hartley

Introduction

In contemplating our inevitable extinction while still on Earth, it is crucial to reflect on the values that can guide us through such a calamitous, chaotic, and challenging time. This essay advocates for embracing both kindness and sharing by drawing inspiration from the bravery of Wallace Henry Hartley. Hartley, the bandleader aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, exemplified the principles of compassion and selflessness. By following his example, we can cultivate a sense of unity and compassion, offering solace and support to one another as we navigate the final stages of our existence on Earth.

The Power of Kindness and Sharing

Strengthening interpersonal connections: In the face of our impending extinction, it is essential to recognize the significance of human connections. By practicing kindness, we can foster a sense of community, empathy, and understanding. Small acts of kindness, whether they be a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word, all have the power to brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of positivity in a world grappling with its own mortality. Our common history is littered with violence towards one another, yet our final moments need not be.

Providing emotional support: In confronting our collective and final mortality, fear and anxiety may permeate and overpower our lives. In challenging times such as these, acts of kindness can serve as a source of emotional support, offering comfort and solace to those who are struggling with both the spiritual and existential questions surrounding extinction. By being compassionate listeners, extending empathy, and providing a non-judgmental, safe space for each individual to express their fears and concerns, we can alleviate emotional burdens and foster a sense of unity in the face of our shared, terminal destiny.

Diminishing inequity and unfairness: In the face of our imminent demise, it is crucial to recognize the importance of sharing resources and opportunities equitably wherever and whenever possible. By embracing universal principles of sharing, we can strive to lessen suffering through selfless acts of generosity and compassion. Rather than hoard resources for personal gain, we can ensure that everyone has access to essential needs, fostering a sense of collective understanding and unity in our final time on Earth.

Rejecting blame: The sudden anticipation of our extinction may evoke feelings of despair and hopelessness which can rapidly turn to anger and a desire to blame someone else. While loss of life on the individual level may invoke a call for justice, no one individual, or groups of individuals, are responsible for our terminal outcome. Rather, we must realize and appreciate the existence of a fundamental species-level flaw that is beyond our making or control: our intrinsic inability to embrace global trust amongst one another. This has been the insurmountable mandate throughout our existence leading us toward extinction. It is this flaw shared by everyone, everywhere, all of the time, from Jesus to Hitler and all who came before, in between, and after them, that curses us to an inevitable doom while simultaneously absolving us all from blame.