NEW _ We’re trying something a little new! A topic to let loose on so we can all talk it out. This one is on hope. Do you have it? Do you need it? How do you feel about it?
Lis: I don’t want to speak for anyone but most of our small team probably have varying degrees of hope for the world and want to feel it; that’s natural, understandable and probably makes living a bit easier. I’ve always felt hope was a bit wish-washy and rarely translates into action. I don’t really have any significant hope for the world. Not at the moment; the data, nor much of human (including government) action, doesn’t give me any and I’m not really interested in yet another ‘tech will save us’. I’ve worked long enough in human rights for hope and idealism to fade. BUT I don’t need hope to do the work; it’s important (to me) to do it anyway and I can’t imagine not doing it. I know I’m not going to solve any wicked problems but I’d like to do my bit to reduce suffering. Maybe I’m hopeful that’s what we can all do together. Not having broader hope doesn’t make me sad though – I’m a pretty happy human most hours – a very optimistic realist.Plus, my expectations are low so disappointment rarely features!
Whilst I don’t need hope, nature is my therapy. Any time spent in the forest, with the rivers, or swimming in wild spots is where I am ok – over and over again.
P.S. I also chose not to have biological children because of a decade in human rights + environmentalism. I think if you choose to bring new humans into the world it’s probably a prerequisite to be hopeful? I just wish this translated into far, far more action from parents in high-income nations.
Over to you! How do you feel about hope? What’s your relationship with it? Has anything changed it (either way)?