The world is primed for a miracle, and a major one. So far, though, there has been no sign of them anywhere around. Hey, where are miracles when one needs them?

Addendum I (December 18, 2019)

This is a joke on Bill Gates, of course. Several years ago, he admitted that we needed a miracle, if not a whole bunch of them, to push the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere down to zero (“Bill Gates’ Equation,” May 21, 2016). Well put, no doubt. Indeed, miracles are in high demand right now, and not only in connection with carbon dioxide. The only trouble is that there has been no sign of them as of late. None whatsoever. Shucks!

Addendum II (February 26, 2020)

Deep down, this is actually a joke on the human species entire. And no kidding. Beyond any doubt, humans are crazy about miracles (“Miracles Galore,” December 8, 2015). All religions offer plenty of them to their believers. And by way of proof of their merit, so to speak. The same holds for magicians, sorcerers, and conjurers of every description. It is thus surprising that none of them are coming up with miracles that match the present need, which is growing at a clip. To be sure, the world is pining for them at present. Perhaps, just perhaps, their time will come only when the shit finally hits the fan. Climate change and environmental degradation cannot but lead to unprecedented intercontinental migrations that will ultimately usher global conflagration dwarfing World Wars I and II. Behold, the mother of all miracles!

Addendum III (November 20, 2020)

Concerning miracles of all descriptions, I am now enjoying the first book of our civilization, as it were, which I cannot but consider the mother of all jokes on humanity. Yes, it is the book about Gilgamesh that comes well ahead of Greek classics teeming with miracles.[1] And I am enjoying it no end. For my sins, I cannot but see connections with the Donald, the forty-fifth American president (“The Good Old Flood,” November 20, 2020). One way or another, his implacable supporters are still awaiting a miracle concerning the last presidential election in the States. The joke of jokes, to be sure. Which is why I see the Donald as the last incarnation of Gilgamesh. Together with his untold admirers, chances are that he will provide loads of entertainment for the few and far between of my ilk the following few months. The miracle man through and through. Alleluia!

Footnote

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by N.K. Sandars, London: Penguin Books, 1972 (first published in 1960),