MAN’S INHUMANITY TO MANTHE SEASON OF LIGHT HOPE

“Man’s Inhumanity to man” is a line taken from a dirge written in 1785 by the Scotsman Robert Burn. In it Burn lamented human cruelty, barbarity, and lack of compassion toward other humans. Basically, he was lamenting mankind’s ability to treat others as less than human.

The 20th century has been the showcase for man’s inhumanity to man evidenced by two World Wars, the Holocaust, numerous other wars and now the disaster in Israel and Gaza. It has been a reinforcement of our ability to do terrible things to one another.

Recently, we heard a colleague say that they have given up hope. They questioned where the strength to go forward could be found and concluded that the cruelty of which mankind is so capable makes us incapable of solving our problems.

We choose this time, regardless of how bleak and disheartening, as an opportunity to dig deeply into ourselves and find a small glimmer foretelling “The Season of Light.” For our survival we must move from bleak to optimistic, from pessimistic to hopeful, from futility to the light. We do not accept that we cannot find happiness.

We must reject the notion that humans were created to be without hope. Hope is not an emotion. It is a way of thinking and a state of being. It can be learned. Hope is consistently linked to better outcomes regarding mental and physical health, academics, and athletics. Hope brings with it a strong sense of purpose, and less loneliness.

We need to embrace grace and humility and commit to the belief that civility will survive.

In the words of Jimmy Valvano- Don’t Give Up Don’t Ever Give Up!

Walk toward the light!