Illusion of Control

What is control? It seems we humans have a continual need to control. We want to control our surroundings: the weather, the temperature, the length of days. We use fire, coal, air conditioners and heaters to control our immediate temperature comfort as well as using blankets, coats, and numerous wraps, gloves, and head coverings. We have weather forecasters and radar; we try to seed clouds and stop hurricanes. We change the time system several times a year to "create" more daylight. We worry and argue about global warming and how we may be influencing it.

We struggle with self-control: temper, weight, finances, addictions. We continually vacillate between what we "ought" to do and what we impulsively want to do. We want to speak kind words and maintain peaceful and respectful relationships; we want to have it our own way, to say what we really think, to lash out when our feelings are hurt. We want to have fit and beautiful bodies; we want to eat chocolate and sit in a comfortable chair and watch television or read a good book. We want to "save for a rainy day" and only spend on things we really need; we want to give in to impulse buying and credit cards. We want to think clearly; we want to give in to our addictions to food, alcohol, spending, or drugs.

The struggle for control extends to all relationships. In schools there is a continual struggle for control between adults and students.
In the workplace there are tensions between management or administration and the workforce. In marriage and other partnerships there are issues of control which must be addressed on a daily basis. We want to have strong and productive relationships; we want to be in charge and have things our way.

What is the relationship between control and government? We have laws for our safety: wear seat belts, drive the speed limit, don't drive drunk. We have the FDA, EPA, CIA, FBI, police, armed forces; when do these agencies for safety become agencies of control? How much of our personal control are we willing to give up? That question has been at the core of change in nations throughout history. I just finished reading "Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett. The story he tells of the Russian revolution during World War I is a perfect example of what happens when the people want to take back control from a dominating government. The results are messy, there is loss on both sides, and no one actually wins.

So, how do these thoughts on control apply to the current crisis in Egypt? Each person and relationship will change as external events shift thoughts and feelings about control. The struggle for control of the country impacts the lives of all Egyptians; it also impacts all of the world. Regardless of how it ends, the struggle will be messy, there will be loss on both sides, and no one will actually win.