Focus On The Good Work You Do

I have a fondness for Edmund Burke, the British statesman and philosopher who said things like “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it” and “Liberty does not exist in the absence of morality.” He also said, “The hottest fires in***** are reserved for those who remain neutral in times of moral crisis.”

Right now, I’m focusing on another quote of his: “Never despair. But if you do, work on in despair.” It’s a timely quote that’s helping me stay focused and inspired doing the work I’m committed to.

For anyone who’s bogged down in despair while pondering the unmendable consequences of this election, I’d say it’s more positive to focus on the daily good you do instead.

That’s why I pledge to keep my nose to the grindstone doing any good I can. Honestly, I’m fired up, motivated, and inspired to do even more, mainly because that’s what it’ll take to thoughtfully navigate the darker times we now face. Actually, if Mexicans truly did vote for their parents’ deportation, we’re already knee-deep in a dark night of the soul.

It’s also why I’m calling on my better angels for help. If my heart closes, I’ll need them to open and fill it with their wisdom—the eternal wisdom that’s helped countless others throughout the world endure immoral, corrupt leaders.

Edmund Burke also said: “The council of despair is a declaration of irresponsibility; it is Pilate washing his hands.”

So I’d be pleased if you’d join me in my pledge by keeping your focus on the good work you do. Whether that’s caring for your kids or grandkids, helping an elder, volunteering for a good cause, or being a decent person at your workplace, keep at it and take it to the next level if you can. People need reassurance and a restoration of faith in our common humanity.

Not one of us should sit around and despair. Nor can we afford to wash our hands of Trump or let the chips fall where they may, because what is done to us and our nation under his rule, not the rule of law—and how that impacts us, our children, and grandchildren—remains very much our business, and the business of all good citizens.