Home is where the fire is

Anonymous

September 16, 2023

This image was generated with Dream Studio AI.

The combination of individuals together can hardly ever become one, but they can create one. One language, city, music, dance, one Europe. People all have the desire to appear, to join, to create. In 2040, the public: public space, the being together of people, digital space allows these activities, asking people to be vivid, collected. To be the moving matter in the public space of continuity, of something bigger than ourselves. The world shows herself to us in public space, and we ourselves are elements of that world, appearing for the others. In the public realm we recharge our home spheres with the dynamity of others, strangers, the freedom of movement and the space for chance. This public vibrancy, the public heart, or hestia, is the fire around which the community is built. In our private domain we can depart that public world of appearances and comfort ourselves with the warmth, the fire, hestia around which our private lives are built, of our personal controllable surroundings. I imagine a future where the public and private realm are distinct but balanced and in which the public is providing us with a feeling of collectiveness, togetherness, in which we all contribute to sustain that collective.

(Hestia, the Greek goddess of the heart and fire, was both the foundation of domestic life, the fireplace, the heart of the house and the public fire, the heart of the city. In earlier times fire was essential to establish a society or community. In my vision Hestia denotes the underlying similarity of the public and the private while maintaining the distinction of the two.)

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In 2040, the world looked very different than it did twenty years ago. Poland has become a peaceful, safe and united country around common values. The streets were clean, the cities well organized, and people lived in harmony, valuing their traditions and culture. There was an atmosphere of tranquility in the towns, with children playing in the backyards without fear, the elderly walking in the parks, and the neighbours knowing each other and helping each other in their daily lives. Local communities thrived and small family businesses thrived, supported by modern technologies and a conscious approach to the economy. There were no problems with crime or riots. The authorities have made sure that the country develops in a sustainable and safe way. Young people had good prospects – they could educate themselves at a high level, develop their passions and be sure that they would find a decent job. Thanks to a wise economic policy, Poland became self-sufficient – agriculture flourished, domestic companies produced modern technologies, and people enjoyed stability and prosperity. Society was united, proud of its history and ready to build the future in accordance with its own values. In the evening, sitting on the terrace of his house, John looked at the quiet streets and felt gratitude. He knew that his children were growing up in a world where they could feel safe, respect their roots and build a better future for generations to come.

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Home is where the fire is

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