Words for a Despondent Public

A quick update: ‘Weekly Picks’ posts will return to the blog this Sunday, February 9. I also plan to put together a bit of an explainer within the next couple of weeks on the method behind how I come across those articles/essays/videos. Stay tuned.

Plenty in the news that is levying anxiety on both sides of the 49th parallel these days. Those of us fortunate enough to be in the global minority enjoying stable democratic institutions can never really adopt a complacent approach.

Just a couple of videos for you today. Words of wisdom for troubled times.

Some takeaways:

(@3:00) Treat differences like a resource, not a problem.
(@11:15) Creative solutions are not lacking.
(@13:50) Democracy is something you do, not something that is.

“Do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed – the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die. […]

You, the people, have the power…the power to create happiness. You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful.”

We dare not disengage.