Spinning Top of a World

“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”

― Howard Zinn-

I appreciate this entire quote from author and historian Howard Zinn. And I especially appreciate the bolded words. He was speaking in broad terms. Our planet and its people, throughout history. Our planet and its people, today. There have been ugly and inhumane times since human existence began. Plenty of it. There’s no way we would be here now, though, as advanced and “civilized” as we are, if the compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness hadn’t prevailed, time and time again. Time and time again.

It wasn’t the people sitting around lamenting the sad state of affairs that kept the world spinning in the right direction each time it needed to reset its course. They saw the worst and were immobilized.

It was the people who were not only foolishly romantic, but also fully energized for the possibilities in each day.

Now change that to present tense. It isn’t the people sitting around lamenting the sad state of affairs that keep the world spinning in the right direction each time it needs to reset its course. They see the worst and are immobilized.

It is the people who are not only foolishly romantic, but also fully energized for the possibilities in each day.

This rainbow I saw last evening is real. It isn’t just a symbol of hope and new beginnings. It is hope and new beginnings. A little rainbow that lasted a few minutes in a little space on this spinning top of a world.

My thoughts and actions today. Your thoughts and actions today. These are all real too. And they have a true impact on each of us and the other living beings we interact with each day.

“The future is an infinite succession of presents . . .” How can you and I behave magnificently today? How can we be defiant to the inertia that drains hope and leads to paralysis? Start small. Perhaps put a foolishly romantic little smile on your face and then share it. Go from there. Extend a helping hand. Keep a closed mouth when harsh judgment wants to spill out. Take action for a cause that serves those who are suffering.

When we are fully present, in this moment, we will know what to do. The energy will activate us. Onward!