Proactive Hope

I recently came across the claim that hope is the enemy of change and the source of much misery. The reason for this is that hope pacifies. People hunker down and hope for a miracle when they should stand up an fight. However, the claim is flawed because it confuses hope with resignation.

People who are hopeful don't sit idly waiting for something good to happen. They go into the world with the intention to make things better for themselves and others. However, the word hope is so mixed up with the idea of idle resignation that it may be best to make a distinction between proactive hope and resigned hope for the purpose of clarity.

Playing the lotto is an example of resigned hope. Living within one's means and saving in gold or silver is an example of proactive hope. The distinction is clear. One requires a miracle to pan out. The other is a thousand year old recipe for sustainable success, especially when combined with sound investments in productive assets and affordable luxuries.

The same goes for the reckless who make outsized bets on positive outcomes. They are not much different from resigned lotto players. The only distinction lies in the size of their bets. Recklessness is not as proactive as it may look. The high level of activity is not a sign of hope, but of desperation.

People who are truly hopeful don't engage in gambling, and they know how to master fear. They are neither too risk tolerant nor too timid. They have a clear idea of what risks are involved in various activities, and they don't get overly optimistic or pessimistic based on news and gossip. They focus on their own local sphere, and limit their ambitions to that. It is up to other people to sort out whatever problems there might be other places.

Hence, I don't get overly worried when I read about detention camps, suicides, and drugs. I have no intention to single myself out for any of this. On the contrary, I make a point of being polite and helpful whenever possible, and I tone things down when talking to people. I also point out that each of us have the potential to sort out most of our troubles. We don't have to worry about the wider world as long as we take care of our nearest, and behave in a civilized manner towards our neighbors.

The solution to just about every ill in the world is this kind of proactive hope. A lot can be achieved by toning down conflicts and focusing on local matters. There are no lack of things to do. When treated with respect, people look out for each other. Casual conversations lead to ideas and employment. No matter how down and out someone is, there's always hope. However, that requires a positive and proactive attitude among the people that they interact with.

This is why we should be polite and forthcoming in our daily affairs. By being an example of proactive hope ourselves, others follow suite. It lifts everybody up from whatever depression they may be under, and it doesn't cost more than a friendly good morning and an appreciation of everyone's capacity to make life better.

Endless possibilities