Perhaps for optimism and hope to track, it needs the grit of pessimistic reality. To appreciate the routine work of people doing good, we need to compare it to tales of a few fudging stuff up in the worst possible way. It adds the tension that lets the resolution stick. Writing white text on a white background after all, would stand out wimply.
Folks behaving badly in face of misfortune, as yucky as that is, can be expected, since humans are messy beings. But against the backdrop of that mess, we can more appreciate the value of the quiet, small, positive actions of the many. Yes in this corner we have a disruptively loud, flag bearing yahoo, but in the other we have a soot-faced kid slowly chipping at smouldering duff with no flamboyance, but given weight by doing so, in step with a much larger padre of crew members. Even when yahoos come in convoys, and they threaten, I have hope for the silent majority, we know who we are, to clumsily save the day.
Thanks for your thought-provoking piece, Bob. And for the opportunity to opine a little as well.
I also believe that there’s always been mostly good-intentioned people but currently, are there more deviants or are they just more deviant? The computer-driven loss of intelligence is really taking hold and is poised to get much worse, if AI propagates.
My latest release “Everybody’s Friend- Bill Irwin” (on YouTube) challenges everyone to be kinder by looking at people through a more intimate lens. I’m hoping we can get there soon.
Bob, I thoroughly enjoyed your article, and it always sparks meaningful conversations. With all due respect, my belief in our humanity has grown stronger than ever. Amidst the inundation of stories like the ones you've shared, we sometimes overlook the millions of individuals tirelessly fighting for the greater good. If we take a moment to look beyond the sensational headlines and the 'bad news' that grabs our attention, we'll discover a world filled with compassion, decency, and remarkable people. Unfortunately, it's often the exceptional tragedies that capture our focus.
A few years ago, my daughter broke her arm, and her fellow gym and schoolmates came to offer their well wishes. Three years ago, when I found myself stuck in a snow bank, a kind stranger in a large truck stopped to tow me out, expecting nothing in return. I initiated a charity event for the Sexual Assault Centre, and all of my friends enthusiastically joined in, helping us raise an impressive $25,000 in just one day! Battling my own addictions, every single one of my friends has steadfastly supported me, ensuring that I remain on the path to recovery, even 17 years later.
There are countless heartwarming stories if we pause and listen. We extend a helping hand to our neighbors more than ever before. But to truly appreciate this, we must tune out the constant noise of the city, represented by the news, the internet, and Twitter. Instead, we need to recognize that behind the doors we pass every day, there are individuals grappling with the same concerns as us, willing to open those doors because they are not the monsters we're led to believe are lurking around every corner. In reality, you, me, and our neighbors are all cut from the same cloth. Much like urban legends, most of us have heard of the monsters, but fewer than 1% of them exist within our own circles. Have you ever wondered why that is?
I wonder a lot...I was tempted to focus on the positive for this piece but the reality of how many of us are reacting badly to disaster I opted for the stories without, I hope, too much judgment. For every four stories of bad behaviour there are thousands of great stories. Loved yours, keep it up>
Thanks Bob. You always give me pause to think with your stories. Living now in the Okanagan the fires this past summer came pretty close however all turned out okay for us. I identified with Michael H's post - during those fires, the stories of heroism, volunteering and support for those in need far outweighed the instances of those out to take advantage of the situation by theft, etc. I do believe 90% of people are truly good when given the chance. Thanks again for your story!!
Nicely said Bill…look forward to seeing your piece
Perhaps for optimism and hope to track, it needs the grit of pessimistic reality. To appreciate the routine work of people doing good, we need to compare it to tales of a few fudging stuff up in the worst possible way. It adds the tension that lets the resolution stick. Writing white text on a white background after all, would stand out wimply.
Folks behaving badly in face of misfortune, as yucky as that is, can be expected, since humans are messy beings. But against the backdrop of that mess, we can more appreciate the value of the quiet, small, positive actions of the many. Yes in this corner we have a disruptively loud, flag bearing yahoo, but in the other we have a soot-faced kid slowly chipping at smouldering duff with no flamboyance, but given weight by doing so, in step with a much larger padre of crew members. Even when yahoos come in convoys, and they threaten, I have hope for the silent majority, we know who we are, to clumsily save the day.
Thanks for your thought-provoking piece, Bob. And for the opportunity to opine a little as well.
Very good commentary from both Bob and Michael H.
I also believe that there’s always been mostly good-intentioned people but currently, are there more deviants or are they just more deviant? The computer-driven loss of intelligence is really taking hold and is poised to get much worse, if AI propagates.
My latest release “Everybody’s Friend- Bill Irwin” (on YouTube) challenges everyone to be kinder by looking at people through a more intimate lens. I’m hoping we can get there soon.
Bob, I thoroughly enjoyed your article, and it always sparks meaningful conversations. With all due respect, my belief in our humanity has grown stronger than ever. Amidst the inundation of stories like the ones you've shared, we sometimes overlook the millions of individuals tirelessly fighting for the greater good. If we take a moment to look beyond the sensational headlines and the 'bad news' that grabs our attention, we'll discover a world filled with compassion, decency, and remarkable people. Unfortunately, it's often the exceptional tragedies that capture our focus.
A few years ago, my daughter broke her arm, and her fellow gym and schoolmates came to offer their well wishes. Three years ago, when I found myself stuck in a snow bank, a kind stranger in a large truck stopped to tow me out, expecting nothing in return. I initiated a charity event for the Sexual Assault Centre, and all of my friends enthusiastically joined in, helping us raise an impressive $25,000 in just one day! Battling my own addictions, every single one of my friends has steadfastly supported me, ensuring that I remain on the path to recovery, even 17 years later.
There are countless heartwarming stories if we pause and listen. We extend a helping hand to our neighbors more than ever before. But to truly appreciate this, we must tune out the constant noise of the city, represented by the news, the internet, and Twitter. Instead, we need to recognize that behind the doors we pass every day, there are individuals grappling with the same concerns as us, willing to open those doors because they are not the monsters we're led to believe are lurking around every corner. In reality, you, me, and our neighbors are all cut from the same cloth. Much like urban legends, most of us have heard of the monsters, but fewer than 1% of them exist within our own circles. Have you ever wondered why that is?
I wonder a lot...I was tempted to focus on the positive for this piece but the reality of how many of us are reacting badly to disaster I opted for the stories without, I hope, too much judgment. For every four stories of bad behaviour there are thousands of great stories. Loved yours, keep it up>
bc
Thanks Bob. You always give me pause to think with your stories. Living now in the Okanagan the fires this past summer came pretty close however all turned out okay for us. I identified with Michael H's post - during those fires, the stories of heroism, volunteering and support for those in need far outweighed the instances of those out to take advantage of the situation by theft, etc. I do believe 90% of people are truly good when given the chance. Thanks again for your story!!