Dear Athena, I have what some might call a gift, and others (including me) might call a curse. You see, I can predict the future, but nobody ever believes the truth of my prophecies. It’s always been a struggle, but this has become increasingly difficult in recent days. After all, it would have been useful if people had heeded my warning that the return of my long lost brother would spell disaster for our city, that there would be war, death, destruction. And who could have guessed that the great wooden horse left as a gift to us by our attackers would turn out to be filled with enemy soldiers…
On top of the fact that it is actually quite hurtful being constantly ignored and written off as a madwoman, it’s also exhausting. I feel so powerless, so alone. I wanted to help my city, my family, my fellow countrymen avoid their fate, but the one thing that I had to offer was always disregarded. The worst part is, that even after the horrors that I predicted came to pass, nobody ever acknowledged that they were wrong for laughing at me and accusing me of being melodramatic. They act as if there was no way that they could have seen any of this coming, and I have had enough. As we gaze upon the ruins of our once magnificent home, waiting to be told our fate (of course, I could tell anyone where they’re headed right now if they bothered to ask), I want them to look me in the eye and say “You were right.” “We should have listened.” “We’re sorry”. In the face of all this suffering it seems wrong to want to scream “I told you so!” at the top of my lungs, but I won’t deny that I do. Everyone will be going their separate ways soon, so before that, is there any way that I can get my vindication in a socially acceptable manner? – nothing_but_the_truth
Athena says: What an implausible problem to have. I just can’t take it seriously.
Only joking! Powerful as your gift/curse is, I don’t think it works on divine beings like myself. It is interesting that, despite clearly finding your situation difficult, you haven’t asked me to suggest ways to make it easier to live with. But then, I suppose, you know your fate…
I’m afraid that the first thing I have to offer in answer to your question is another question: would saying “I told you so” really make you feel better? I suspect not. As you say yourself, you are all about to be dispersed, would it really be worth spoiling your last days, hours, minutes with your family for one potential moment of satisfaction?
You should feel proud that you never gave up in the face of constant disbelief
Pointing out that you gave them the opportunity to avert their terrible destiny would only result in your friends and relatives sharing in the sense of powerlessness that you describe. Yes, their lack of faith in you makes them partially responsible for their terrible fates, but there is absolutely nothing that they can do about it now. I would strongly advise against adding to their suffering.
Please don’t mistake this lack of encouragement for lack of empathy. Of course I understand your urge to yell in frustration from the ruined ramparts of your ravaged city, but I think that there may be other things you can do that will be more conducive to helping you achieve a sense of justice.
Don’t mistake this lack of encouragement for lack of empathy.
I’m sorry that your abilities have left you feeling so isolated. However, just because others disregarded what you had to offer doesn’t mean that you should too. It may not have resulted in the salvation of your home and people, but you always did everything in your power to prevent them from making the mistakes that led to their downfall. Think how much worse you would feel if you had stayed silent. You should feel proud that you never gave up in the face of constant disbelief. Focus on the action you took rather than the absence of action from those around you.
Reminding yourself – in this more positive way – that you did always warn people of the tragedy to come could even be the socially acceptable “I told you so” that you are looking for. You did tell them, and you can repeat that to yourself as often as you like.
You have a chance to sail away from everyone on the moral high ground. I hope you take it.
Dear Athena 