1966@50

Two generations into the future we will be in 2046, the same time increment from 1886 to 1966. It is difficult to conceive that history could be symmetrical, which would imply that for every period of a human life, there are enough resources to keep repeating the 1945-1964 zeitgeist. David Bowie (among many 60s and 70s artists) was born at a perfect time in human history.

In 2046 apparently we tried to repeat the zeitgeist, but still only a small tribe experienced it. There will always be more than enough resources for a small tribe (or tribes) of earth inhabitants. But they will not necessarily be friendly to each other. If I'm here, and I want to be where you are, but you don't want me there, there will be conflicts.

I chose 1966 as a watershed, give or take a year. Like Ziggy, it lasts for about 18 months, before change is imposed.

David Jones 1966

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Threshold 1966

In 1965 we were approaching the boundary, in 1966 we crossed it, and by 1967 we had established a new “sovereignty” of American (and world) culture. By 1970, the psychedelic period was over, but its after-effects are still felt to this day. The mid-1960s period has parallels with other milestones of world history (albeit not as revolutionary) such as the conquest of Alexander the Great and the rise of Hellenism, the Renaissance, and the internet boom of the late 20th century--where­by the world experiences a spike of intense cultural upheaval--dies out abruptly--and has a lasting influence on world culture. Alexander the Great conquered much of Asia Minor and North Africa in only seventeen years, and introduced a completely different cultural blueprint; with completely new directions in art and architecture. Revolutions of this kind are seldom a sudden event and can take many years to reach full fruition. The mid-1960s were a time of profound shift in world culture, and on many fronts, 1966 seems to be a key year. 

Full essay from the Exforma book: