December 6 - NIMBYs and the English Countryside
What’s this all about? See here.
In the heart of the English countryside, a quiet and open valley stretched between rolling hills. A tranquil river meandered through the landscape, obscured by morning mist. Roald stood serenely, contemplating the beauty of the vista.
To the locals, the people who had walked and lived around these hills for centuries, the valley was a sanctuary of beauty, a testament to the unspoiled charm of rural life. But that harmony was now disturbed by rumours about a proposed housing development. Only 50 new houses, the developer had said, cheque in hand to the local council. To many local politicians, perhaps even a majority, it was progress; but to the locals, Roald knew it was an abomination.
A public meeting was held in the village hall, with many comments from locals echoing the thoughts of a philosopher many had forgotten, but who everyone knew in their heart was still important. The valley's residents, staunch NIMBYs, gathered to express their grievances. The handsome, silver-haired Lord of the manor, Sir Charles, led the charge. He spoke eloquently, his address booming with nostalgia, invoking the valley's pristine beauty.
"Have we forgotten what this valley means to us?" he implored the crowd.
"It's not just about a view; it's about preserving our way of life. We're stewards of this land, and this land has a soul, a history, and a beauty that transcends modern convenience."
The crowd nodded in agreement, their passion ignited. His daughter, Lady Eleanor, stood beside him, her eyes alight with the same fervor channeled by her father. She spoke of the forgotten philosopher's belief in the intrinsic value of the countryside, its beauty and serenity, and of its role in shaping the identity and souls of the people living in it.
Weeks passed, and the battle intensified. Locals plastered their yards with "Save Our Valley" signs, and the villagers organized peaceful protests. They spoke of the noise and disruption that the housing development would bring, the lack of schools, doctors and other local amenities to support the increase in population. They spoke about how 50 new houses would disturb the very essence of the valley. The developer and local politicians countered with statistics, arguing the benefits for the greater good. But to the NIMBYs, these arguments fell on deaf ears. The valley was their sanctuary, their connection to generations past, a place of solace and reflection, and it was not to be changed or altered in any way.
In the end, the villagers prevailed, and the local council yielded. The housing development was mothballed. The countryside remained unspoiled, a testament to the enduring strength of NIMBYs who had fought to protect the intrinsic value of their beloved landscape. And so, the valley continued to offer its residents solace, a place where beauty, tranquility, and open space reigned supreme. They understood that in a world racing toward the future, preserving the past was important, crucial even. Invigorated by their victory, the NIMBYs confirmed to each other their role as guardians of the English countryside, ensuring that its timeless beauty endured for generations to come.
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DALL E 2 prompt: “A turner painting of a beautiful picturesque english country side” (a variation)
Chat GPT prompt: Write a NIMBY short story in 400 words inspired by Roger Scruton's philosophy about a beautiful, picturesque, quiet and open English country side.