Needed to see this today! A bit ago I was venting in a professor's office about the state of sustainability and whether anything we're doing as professionals in the field (with regard to combatting climate change + creating positive social impact) actually is making a difference. It can feel really scary and disheartening being constantly skeptical of all the so-called "good" innovations, trying to assess if we're actually causing more harm (socially and environmentally) with our decisions on a systemic level. But like Lily said, "Despair and resignation look too much like cowardice. There is something to do." Even if it means re-evaluating those "somethings" all the time -- that's where the real good stuff can happen.
“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on. In all the confusions of today, with all our troubles . . . with politicians and people slinging the word fear around, all of us become discouraged . . . tempted to say this is the end, the finish. But life — it goes on. It always has. It always will. Don’t forget that.”
–Robert Frost , on his 80th birthday, speaking to journalist Ray Josephs, 1954
Definitely in the world of self optimisation one tends to focus on what can be improved, forever digging into less meaningful work as conditions improve, and as you said, it's always good to look back and see where you're at, to put things in perspective.
Things can always improve, sure. But it's important to remind ourselves how far we've already come, and of how little some of our problems matter when compared to what other people went through in the past, but especially so what other people are going through now.
"The movement of peace is in the works everywhere in the form of conscious individuals who dare to affirm that the first human duty is respect for life." Thanks Lily, Matt and your beautiful hearted lineage. 100% good perspective. This is what more and more of us are awakening to. My take is that the resonance of this way of believing continues throughout the cycles, building momentum as we gather in greater numbers to help balance the great dance of yin/yang, of our spirit embodied. So inspiring to hear you are making a living writing- kudos!
This blew me away honestly, because I feel like it's just as important as it was back then. Which then again speaks for exactly what you stated here - we always live and lived "in crazy times".
Needed to see this today! A bit ago I was venting in a professor's office about the state of sustainability and whether anything we're doing as professionals in the field (with regard to combatting climate change + creating positive social impact) actually is making a difference. It can feel really scary and disheartening being constantly skeptical of all the so-called "good" innovations, trying to assess if we're actually causing more harm (socially and environmentally) with our decisions on a systemic level. But like Lily said, "Despair and resignation look too much like cowardice. There is something to do." Even if it means re-evaluating those "somethings" all the time -- that's where the real good stuff can happen.
I can relate to this so much as someone working in the sustainability field in the retail industry 🙏
Right!! I'm in tech right now for an internship in sustainability and it's a bit disorienting truthfully
“In three words, I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on. In all the confusions of today, with all our troubles . . . with politicians and people slinging the word fear around, all of us become discouraged . . . tempted to say this is the end, the finish. But life — it goes on. It always has. It always will. Don’t forget that.”
–Robert Frost , on his 80th birthday, speaking to journalist Ray Josephs, 1954
Beautiful words Matt! And a very good reminder to all of us that life has never been anything other than crazy and to spread love to all humans 🙏🏻
Big love ❤️
Wow - Amazing how clear the writing still is in the journal after all these years!
Definitely in the world of self optimisation one tends to focus on what can be improved, forever digging into less meaningful work as conditions improve, and as you said, it's always good to look back and see where you're at, to put things in perspective.
Things can always improve, sure. But it's important to remind ourselves how far we've already come, and of how little some of our problems matter when compared to what other people went through in the past, but especially so what other people are going through now.
Thank you Matt! I needed this reminder 💕
This is my favorite read thus far on all of substack! Thank you for sharing. 💖
"The movement of peace is in the works everywhere in the form of conscious individuals who dare to affirm that the first human duty is respect for life." Thanks Lily, Matt and your beautiful hearted lineage. 100% good perspective. This is what more and more of us are awakening to. My take is that the resonance of this way of believing continues throughout the cycles, building momentum as we gather in greater numbers to help balance the great dance of yin/yang, of our spirit embodied. So inspiring to hear you are making a living writing- kudos!
"It is time to revalue humanity"
This blew me away honestly, because I feel like it's just as important as it was back then. Which then again speaks for exactly what you stated here - we always live and lived "in crazy times".
History loves to repeat itself
Love this! Thank you!
Thank you, Matt. As always, your words (and your grandmother’s) inspire. Wishing you a lifetime of love and wisdom.