Being Green - 13 April 2018
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Do You Suffer Ecological Grief?
Are you an optimist? It’s like that statistical thing – everyone would rate themselves an above-average driver. You don’t have to be a statistician to reflect that just can’t be true… But still, I think I’m an above-average driver.
I think also we are optimists at heart. I know there are times when the optimism wears thin, the glass appears half-empty. But scientifically designed studies by those-who-know show that confidence, the will to succeed, positive self-image, optimism determines success, however that’s defined. And survivors of horrific catastrophies, genocidal death camps, daunting struggles, tell us will and determination, yes, even optimism against all odds, wins out.
I’m very grateful I’ve never been put to the test. And I admire those heroines and heros, who are activists, those who say, No! the buck stops here with me. Campaigners, activists, for human communities, improving the lot of the oppressed, or the threatened habitat, or conservation of species or the wild places. Or…
Defying the forces ranged against the poor and the powerless, lying down in front of the advancing tanks. It’s usually not that dramatic, but it’s no less important or significant whatever the activism.
Are you an optimist? It’s like that statistical thing – everyone would rate themselves an above-average driver. You don’t have to be a statistician to reflect that just can’t be true… But still, I think I’m an above-average driver.
I think also we are optimists at heart. I know there are times when the optimism wears thin, the glass appears half-empty. But scientifically designed studies by those-who-know show that confidence, the will to succeed, positive self-image, optimism determines success, however that’s defined. And survivors of horrific catastrophies, genocidal death camps, daunting struggles, tell us will and determination, yes, even optimism against all odds, wins out.
I’m very grateful I’ve never been put to the test. And I admire those heroines and heros, who are activists, those who say, No! the buck stops here with me. Campaigners, activists, for human communities, improving the lot of the oppressed, or the threatened habitat, or conservation of species or the wild places. Or…
Defying the forces ranged against the poor and the powerless, lying down in front of the advancing tanks. It’s usually not that dramatic, but it’s no less important or significant whatever the activism.
