Historian Howard Zinn wrote in an article for The Nation, called The Optimism of Uncertainty and I like his words.
"An optimist isn't necessarily a blithe, slightly sappy whistler in the dark of our time. 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 energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction."
Sir Philip Sidney. 1554–1586
The Bargain
MY true love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange one for another given:
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven:
My true love hath my heart, and I have his.
His heart in me keeps him and me in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides:
He loves my heart, for once it was his own,
I cherish his because in me it bides:
My true love hath my heart, and I have his.
I discovered this beautiful poem this morning on my walk along the sea, left there by someone for passers-by to read. Made me think of the two of you... Love, Lydia
Posted by: Lydia Nahold | January 24, 2010 at 06:47 PM
I am a optimist :-) Have a wonderful day.
xo Meghan
Posted by: Meghan Innes | January 25, 2010 at 01:55 PM
Thank you for the wonderful Howard Zinn quote, Trudy, which actually put a small dent in my own cynicism. - Chuck
Posted by: Chuck Landrey | February 05, 2010 at 01:15 PM
Dear Trudy; just tripped over your blog...thank you for your open heart..hope the sun's shining on u today. (the Nanaimo Pool yakky one!)
Posted by: Ruth | April 30, 2010 at 10:12 AM