"downshifting"

some weeks ago i read something interesting in a german 2006-review magazine. the article talked about a new phenomenon the author had noticed to occur frequently during that year: "downshifting." apparently a big number of people in influential and high positions throughout different realms of life had given up these respective posts to reorder their priorities in life. among the examples listed were prominent show-hosts that ended their shows to engage in something more meaningful, the coaches of the german and italian football teams - both being highly popular in their countries -, and some others that i cannot remember now. so the term "downshifting" refers to people who are fed up with their high and successful position and turn it in for family, love, ethics, or whatever other reason.
interestingly enough for me, over 150 years ago Baha'u'llah gave hints about the "coming of age" of humanity. He said that there are three signs that would herald the maturation of humanity, the first one being the ability of science to transmute elements, based on the aspiration of alchemy, while the second one being the adoption of a common language on a global scale. the third one is the one that sparked my initial interest in that article: kingship shall become unbearable and rulers will not want to carry that load anymore. all my life i had thought that this would take centuries to occur, as rulers are generally somewhat attached to their power and will try as hard as possible to maintain it.
this new development of downshifting, however, though being merely an embryonic sign of that high goal of detachment, showed me that the time for the maturation of humanity may not be that far off after all, at least compared to what i always thought it would be.

enough thoughts for my first proper blog i think. there will be more to evaluate.