In 1935, the future was flat
Order was on the verge of collapse
in families, shops, and factories
In parliaments and cafés
there was a lot of heated talking
at first with everyone, soon
only with like-minded people
Illusions and misconceptions
abounded, citizens grouped
against each other, clashed
Orators sought conflicts and wrong
national borders, made themselves bigger
at the expense of perceived enemies
were on their way to glory and power
States were not to be trusted
There was a need to arm
a need to fight
But war cannot bring peace
only destruction
and sorrow, many long years
until the country is exhausted
Jan 21
Jan 21, 2026 at 4:30 AM UTC
In 1935, the future was flat
Order was on the verge of collapse
in families, shops, and factories
In parliaments and cafés
there was a lot of heated talking
at first with everyone, soon
only with like-minded people
Illusions and misconceptions
abounded, citizens grouped
against each other, clashed
Orators sought conflicts and wrong
national borders, made themselves bigger
at the expense of perceived enemies
were on their way to glory and power
States were not to be trusted
There was a need to arm
a need to fight
But war cannot bring peace
only destruction
and sorrow, many long years
until the country is exhausted
1935 and Now
Parler (speak) Parliament
Study "In de schaduwen van morgen. Een diagnose van het geestelijk lijden van onzen tijd" ("In the Shadow of Tomorrow. A diagnosis of the spiritual suffering of our time", 1935, Johan Huizinga), chapters: I. Moods of Decline, XIV. Is the State a Wolf to the State?, XVII. Superstition, ** Prospects, XXI. Catharsis
Collection "Changing Times"
