We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams.
World-losers and world-forsakers,
Upon whom the pale moon gleams;
Yet we are the movers and shakers,
Of the world forever, it seems.”–Arthur O’Shaughnessy
We have to have dreams and believe in possibilities if there is ever to be human progress. It is so easy to get discouraged and bogged down with all the problems in the world. Thinking that things will never change or will always be bad.
There is always the possibility of new discoveries and that the world can improve.
“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 want to read over and over all the hopeful and encouraging words of all the dreamers and visionaries. It buoys me up and helps me to believe in life and the future of the world.
Let’s act in small positive ways and not give in to the darkness.
I especially love O’Shaughnessy’s words. I tend to see the shadows and not the sun, unfortunately, but Zinn’s words are a good reminder of how damaging that can be.
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We need to hear words like Zinn’s.
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Yes Deborah, each moment is very often perfect in it’s own small way; we just need to allow ourselves to see it – again, and again, and again.
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What a beautiful post! I love the quote. I think it’s so important to keep believing in the possibility of dreams.
Thank you for taking part in the challenge! 🙂
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Thank You. Thanks for the prompts. 🙂
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Excellent! I wish the news media would be inspired by this way of thinking! Thank you for spreading the light!
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