LEBBEUS WOODS

ODE TO JOY

Human solidarity is a powerful and rare event. When it occurs in the cause of freedom—which is really the cause of human creative potential—it is inspiring and terrifying. It inspires those who believe in people’s goodness and need for each other; it terrifies those who believe that people must be controlled, for their own good, and for the good of the controllers. People’s solidarity lasts only when it is protected by institutions that they alone can create. Indeed, that is the first creative task to be accomplished, and therein lies the rub.
But let us not dwell on the future. Rather, let us join the Egyptians in Cairo’s Tahrir Square last night, for this moment of their freedom, in their joy and exultation. Long may it last!