A Parable and a Warning

by Michael O'Sheasy

A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a lesson for a bigger issue. Oftentimes, a big issue appears so complex and of such a longtime duration that we ignore it or fail to fully comprehend it despite what may be its basic simplicity. A parable can enable a big issue to be understood with a plain, simple story. This parable is based upon three diverse families marooned together on a deserted island. Will they be rescued? If not and it slowly becomes apparent to them, will they be able to sustain and survive indefinitely by adequately sacrificing today and living for both today and tomorrow? As you will see, many isolated civilizations have not been able to do so, indefinitely resorting to suicide, cannibalism, and self-destruction. Even many civilizations not isolated have collapsed when unable to adjust to the simplest problems as seen with these three families. Will they find meaning to live on this deserted island? Will these three families live together cooperatively and unselfishly to obtain and maintain their resources for their survival today and plan for a sustainable tomorrow? Will Darwin's survival of the fittest dominate? Will they resort to population control, employing voluntary contraception (abstinence), castration, induced abortion, delaying marriage beyond fertility, or infanticide? Do they maintain monogamy? Importantly for us, does this parable of limited resources portend a dire future for our country if we live for today while using what we can borrow from our future resources while knowing that the debt must be repaid tomorrow? Will a pervasive spending today of what we borrow from our future create rampant inflation that is disproportionately harming middle- and lower-income classes? Unfortunately, many of those who govern our country find this very difficult not to do so. Yet we, Americans, must constrain our spending today, or we may be on a path of self-destruction like our islanders could be. Will there be a happy ending? You decide.

140 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2023

Reviews

[Kenny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book written by my former boss. I could vividly imagine Mike telling some of the sub-stories about food, travel and adventure. I also really appreciate his wisdom and intelligence re: the very foolish direction our country is headed. Thoughtfulness, logic, planning, sacrifice and humility don’t seem to be valued much any more by our, generally, shallow culture and especially a one- sided, simple-minded liberal media. How in the world did “Love Yourself” become an acceptable mantra in a country rich with history of sacrificial servants? Thankfully, there is hope for eternity, no matter what happens here. But let’s try to be smart and do our best for others’ sake. Thanks Mike!

[Lisa Simpson]

As I read this book it began to unfold a picture of how a society can survive or fail by the choices we make. It is written in such a way that the reader can understand the potential problems as they are presented in a sometimes light-hearted way. Young and mature adults can see the situations developing and how difficult choices affect our future. I think high school students should read it.

[Paul Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read!

Finished it in one afternoon (131 pages). A wonderful story presented in a non-judgmental way - showing decisions needed to be made for mankind's future success. Five stars to the author!