Alas, Babylon

Growing up during the Cold War brought thoughts of the apocalypse especially when I was a teenager. I believed that the future would surely be full of nuclear blasts and destruction on a grand scale. I didn’t figure on marrying and having a family, house, dog, cat and chickens of my own. But things changed so fast and then the Berlin Wall came down. It was over… in theory. The Cold War is part of history now, but reading Alas, Babylon has brought back thoughts of ‘what if?’

If a nuclear attack did occur on free soil, I think the consequences would be revealing. I say revealing because during times of crisis a persons moral fiber is exposed. If he has any mettle and resolve, people automatically look to him for leadership. This was the case for the character Randy Bragg. During ordinary times, he was a slacker in daily life with no direction or ambition. But under the perilous circumstances he found himself in after ‘THE DAY’, he became the head of the family and of his community. Fortunately, he had gained leadership ability while serving in the Korean War as an officer.

Leadership isn’t an inborn trait or produced because of heredity. I believe that leadership naturally occurs because of preparation and character. The preparation needs to happen before the crisis, because when it hits, it is too late in many cases. The foundation needs to be laid and roots sunk deep before the storm arrives. I think a good way to prepare for leadership is to read about the amazing leaders who founded our country and led it through difficult times. That is how Lincoln became the man he was because he read George Washington’s biography over and over again. He emulated Washington’s qualities and became a great person by walking down the same path. Lincoln wasn’t born to aristocracy, but he naturally rose to the call because of his devotion to education and his matchless integrity. I believe that ordinary people like Lincoln, without great means or opportunities, will be called upon to do extraordinary things because of the world we live in today. It is the preparation and foundation that is laid now that will enable liberty and freedom to survive the assaults raining down upon it.

Character is the supreme quality that will be of most value during a crisis. Honesty and trust will carry more weight than gold. This is true when placed in extreme circumstances and survival is in the balance, being able to trust your neighbor to share water, food, or what have you will determine whether or not you will deal with that person. If they haven’t had honor in the past, you certainly wouldn’t want to exchange any goods or services with them during a catastrophe. Intense situations bring out the best and worst in people. Therefore, character that is established in ordinary life will be magnified during times of crisis. A person of integrity will be looked to for guidance and trusted with responsibility.

According to The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe, times of crisis will come as surely as winter follows autumn. By reading about a post-nuclear community from Alas, Babylon, I have gained a sense of what matters most in times of war. It is physical preparation which includes having adequate food, potable water, and medical supplies, but perhaps more importantly is individual character. Initiative, integrity, and leadership are the most valuable commodities during disastrous times, but must be paid for in advance.

Copyright L.L. Williams