2001-An Odyssey Indeed

One of my fondest childhood memories is being mesmerized for the first time by the film “2001 A Space Odyssey,” which contained a vision of the future regarded now as not so much uncommonly accurate as outrageously bold and imaginative. Perhaps, in part, because of that experience, the year 2001 took on an almost mystical element, with its promise of great changes for humankind.

As the current millennium approached (and despite the intriguing correlation between supercomputer Hal taking on a mind of his own and apocalyptic visions of computers destroying life as we knew it at midnight Jan. 1, 2000), I counted myself among those for whom the year Jan.1, 2001, meant the true beginning of the 21st Century.

Since then, of course, my perception of the past year has been redefined. Now it seems as if the much ballyhooed Y2K finally did pay Americans a visit on the 11th day of September, although in a way far different and more tragic than anticipated. That day would seem to mark the moment the world truly entered the 21st century.

As James Wolcott wrote in a recent Vanity Fair article, “Since September 11, human character has deepened and broadened in uncharted directions. Easier to distinguish are the things that are gone, the concepts and cultural laggards that in a sudden flash are over, defunct, done.”

Three months after the fact, rescuers have not yet been able to account for many of those who died that day. Furthermore, the calculation of economic losses and the repercussions from those losses have become issues negotiated at the highest level of government.

Many analysts have noted that never in recent memory has the importance of the insurance industry as a major underpinning to the health of national economies ever been more in focus. Yes, the insurance industry is necessary to life as we know it—and its participants will continue because they must.

That said, looking over last year’s top 10 list and comparing it with this year’s, I’m struck by both the differences and the similarities.

As much as our lives did change on Sept. 11, some things never change; trial lawyers will continue to find ingenious concepts on which to base class actions; natural catastrophes will continue to wreak havoc; scandals will still fascinate; and businesses will continue to plan for the best and most profitable future.

So as one era ends, and we embark on a new beginning—which, for me, includes the start of a new phase of my career at Insurance Journal—I hope these holidays provide all Americans with some respite from and a time to reflect on what has recently been.

Predictions? I can safely divine that 2002 will by no means be boring. Resolutions? For our editorial department, that will be to stay on top of all relevant developments in this important industry and report them to the best of our abilities.

So stay tuned—we are going to have a lot to write about in 2002.