“Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that we can make things better. Optimism is a passive virtue, hope is an active one. It takes no courage to be an optimist, but it does need courage to hope.” - Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Color me disciplined. I will never relent. I will never get over the nauseating fact that the name of this felonious man is listed with those of Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt.
But also Andrew Johnson, Buchanan, Nixon, and Reagan. We have endured a boat-load of bad presidents. They have sailed to the great beyond and this piece of depravity will too.
“Part of our task right now is to recognize that hope is a discipline, a way of grasping what’s at stake. This requires looking back and envisioning the future to strengthen our capacity to manage the present. Some days that task will be harder than others, but I beseech you to build that muscle and hold tightly to hope.”
I have re-read this work of passionate concern and deep dedication 3 times now.
It may now be one of my favorites of your collection, Steven.
I apologize for taking up additional space but feel compelled to acknowledge work when it is justified, even though zi am no recognized authority.☺️
This time reading this I chose this from your words upon which to direct my focus;
“All of this can seem fruitless. Will my small actions really help drive change? But we cannot lose sight of how all these individual actions add up to reveal our collective power. I have said it before and I’l say it again: This government depends on the consent of the governed. Abusers of power will take only as much as we permit them.”
Thank you for again offering us thoughts to help us sustain an even-tempered perspective as the chaotic nonsense spews from the current administration.
Yes; please enjoy your travel and fill the tank with the beauty and everyday wonder that we can still be grateful for. Bless you, Sir!
“But here’s the thing. They want us to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. They want us to be full of despair and doubt that there’s a way to overcome this hostile regime and its grim dedication to death and destruction. They want to terrorize communities and strike fear amongst their opponents.”
That’s generous. I think they want us dead because we are the demons of their own projection. I’m being serious. But coming from a pure political standpoint, we are simply in the way.
I am heartened every day by you and Heather Cox Richardson teaching us the facts of history and urging us to continue the good fight. We can all use a time for reflection and recuperation, but in our being we know we need to believe in Victory and strive loudly for it when we have recharged.
“Optimism is the belief that things are going to get better. Hope is the belief that we can make things better. Optimism is a passive virtue, hope is an active one. It takes no courage to be an optimist, but it does need courage to hope.” - Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
🖖
One of my revered favorites, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks of blessed memory. Thank you.
I believe you need both in order to succeed.
We cannot be passive in this endeavor.
Color me disciplined. I will never relent. I will never get over the nauseating fact that the name of this felonious man is listed with those of Washington, Lincoln and Roosevelt.
But also Andrew Johnson, Buchanan, Nixon, and Reagan. We have endured a boat-load of bad presidents. They have sailed to the great beyond and this piece of depravity will too.
We just resist peacefully got ever. Like Gandhi we shall win. Nothing can beat peaceful resistance, nothing.
Marvelous and beautifully written article.
I appreciate the focus on Hope.
And this your comment:
“Part of our task right now is to recognize that hope is a discipline, a way of grasping what’s at stake. This requires looking back and envisioning the future to strengthen our capacity to manage the present. Some days that task will be harder than others, but I beseech you to build that muscle and hold tightly to hope.”
💙💙🇺🇸💙💙
Thanks so much.
How are you?
Thank you, Steven. I needed this today. I hope you have a wonderful, restful time away!
Thanks, Ann. Glad to hear.
I have re-read this work of passionate concern and deep dedication 3 times now.
It may now be one of my favorites of your collection, Steven.
I apologize for taking up additional space but feel compelled to acknowledge work when it is justified, even though zi am no recognized authority.☺️
This time reading this I chose this from your words upon which to direct my focus;
“All of this can seem fruitless. Will my small actions really help drive change? But we cannot lose sight of how all these individual actions add up to reveal our collective power. I have said it before and I’l say it again: This government depends on the consent of the governed. Abusers of power will take only as much as we permit them.”
Rest well and have fun during your time away.
Thank you kindly.
Your essay is a cry from the heart, Steven, thank you. It is our rallying call.
Thank you, Homi.
What a great title! And a great essay to follow. Enjoy your vacation, Steven.
I'm grateful for your words. It is also very smart to listen to a great wife and take time to relax.
True
Thanks for the pep talk. I needed one. Enjoy some respite and restoration.
Thank you for again offering us thoughts to help us sustain an even-tempered perspective as the chaotic nonsense spews from the current administration.
Yes; please enjoy your travel and fill the tank with the beauty and everyday wonder that we can still be grateful for. Bless you, Sir!
Thank you, Clint.
Glad you are taking some time for yourself! You are a true inspiration and I appreciate you every day!
Thanks. Cathy. That’s very kind.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
By Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Your writing gives me hope.
Happy to hear.
“But here’s the thing. They want us to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. They want us to be full of despair and doubt that there’s a way to overcome this hostile regime and its grim dedication to death and destruction. They want to terrorize communities and strike fear amongst their opponents.”
That’s generous. I think they want us dead because we are the demons of their own projection. I’m being serious. But coming from a pure political standpoint, we are simply in the way.
I am heartened every day by you and Heather Cox Richardson teaching us the facts of history and urging us to continue the good fight. We can all use a time for reflection and recuperation, but in our being we know we need to believe in Victory and strive loudly for it when we have recharged.