Preventing The Loss of Hope in Our Present Times

     The world is completely different than when I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. The public and private sector unions, defined pensions, and America's position as a "shining city on a hill" which once sustained our hopes and dreams of a better life for the next generation are all largely irrelevant.

     Whether you site "shining city" quote from Jesus's Sermon On The Mount or from the Puritan John Winthrop of the 17th century, there is always a sense of hope which can be gleaned from its meaning, waiting for you to notice it. It is the "exceptionalism" devoid of any religious or jingoistic tinge which I see, very similarly to how Alexis de Toqueville did in the 18th century, in his remarkable book Democracy in America. The exceptionalism and with it a "can do attitude" is a strength of the American Experiment and not something to be ashamed about. Despite many sad and disgraceful moments this country did free its slaves, give women the vote, and abolish child labor. There was always a sense of momentum that things did get better over time through hard work, enlightened social values, and governmental policies.

     I don't see it that way now.

     Instead of common values it is every person for themselves. Instead of our elites feeling and acting with a sense of generosity to those around them, we have people who took advantage, either through inheritance or financial trickery, flying private, avoiding taxes with a vengeance, and forgetful of those who are disadvantaged. Hard work is no longer a sign you'll get ahead and often is only a debilitating practice which leaves people sad and broken in spirit.

     What is there for a leader or would-be leader to do? Two things:

     1. Look for big ideas and improve upon them, even if only marginally. People who follow you will see the omissions and mistakes. In their turn they will make their own improvements for the next generation to act upon.
     2.  Interact and connect with all five generations of working people and ask that they look for what's common about all of us. The differences are plain to see but our true strength resides in our inclusivity. Once your neighbor, who was once different from you in language and customs, becomes acclimated to living in the US regard them as someone who understands they have rights, privileges, and obligations. These are expected of all of us in return for being an American. Work towards your neighbors being included and praise them for their uniqueness and useful contributions to society.

     If we all do these things we can prevent the loss of hope and re-ignite the spark of creativity. We will promote the example generosity towards all.