“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.
Howard Zinn, “The Optimism of Uncertainty“, The Nation, 30 September 2004
… 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.
…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.”
The place we start changing the world is with ourselves.
It’s a small act of kindness to yourself to prioritise your creativity.
It’s choosing creativity and joy over fear and misery to draw and paint in “interesting” times. Even the worst painting you do is more of a painting than the one you never do.
For a few moments, “live now as we think human beings should live”.
I so agree with you Marion!
Thanks for sharing this post!