You'd think it would be green, or have something to do with food, or reducing our carbon footprint (really- that depends on your shoe size). But none of those are as important as the most critical sustainability issue we face as a nation.
The answer is embarrassingly simple and overlooked more often than non-chocolate desserts.
Humility. A simple abundance of humble pie with a side of humility is our biggest sustainability challenge. Obviously you aren't going to find a huge number of friends of the court briefs on this one. Nor will you find it in the new green section of the bookstore. And it won't be the first topic of conversation at the coffee shop or around the dinner table.
For at least these past eight years and probably more, the United States has thought of itself, its collective self, and its government-self as all that. And more. We have presented to the world an outside bravado that is by all means rather short on substance and long on outward, empty appearances. We've managed to annoy almost everyone on the planet with our attitude, our know-it-all demeanor, and our adolescent like back talk that has only resulted in isolating us, sending us to our room like sullen teenagers. No one wants to play with us because we've become the bully in the school yard with a smart mouth.
What we need desperately is to grow up a bit, eat some humble pie, ask for forgiveness, get a worldwide education, and start helping around the planet by asking what needs doing, rather than assuming what needs doing.
We could admit that we don't have all the answers and ask more questions. We could ask for some assistance from others on this planet in learning new ways to view our world and its numerous cultures. And when we actually accomplish that, all the other important issues of sustainability will become the global world's tasks to solve. Together.
It isn't that hard to do. We saw a man, a humble man with a core of humility show us how it is done. And in just a few days he will become our President. If we learn nothing else, that could be enough to make a difference.
The answer is embarrassingly simple and overlooked more often than non-chocolate desserts.
Humility. A simple abundance of humble pie with a side of humility is our biggest sustainability challenge. Obviously you aren't going to find a huge number of friends of the court briefs on this one. Nor will you find it in the new green section of the bookstore. And it won't be the first topic of conversation at the coffee shop or around the dinner table.
For at least these past eight years and probably more, the United States has thought of itself, its collective self, and its government-self as all that. And more. We have presented to the world an outside bravado that is by all means rather short on substance and long on outward, empty appearances. We've managed to annoy almost everyone on the planet with our attitude, our know-it-all demeanor, and our adolescent like back talk that has only resulted in isolating us, sending us to our room like sullen teenagers. No one wants to play with us because we've become the bully in the school yard with a smart mouth.
What we need desperately is to grow up a bit, eat some humble pie, ask for forgiveness, get a worldwide education, and start helping around the planet by asking what needs doing, rather than assuming what needs doing.
We could admit that we don't have all the answers and ask more questions. We could ask for some assistance from others on this planet in learning new ways to view our world and its numerous cultures. And when we actually accomplish that, all the other important issues of sustainability will become the global world's tasks to solve. Together.
It isn't that hard to do. We saw a man, a humble man with a core of humility show us how it is done. And in just a few days he will become our President. If we learn nothing else, that could be enough to make a difference.
Comments
I loved hearing Obama say "Wisdom and humility" in his 60 minutes interview (I think) last month. Two qualities that we have had almost NONE of from our president and lamentable vp for the last eight years. That alone gives me hope that even if he can't fix everything, he intends to go about doing what he can in an intelligent manner.
Yes, I agree... some national humility is definitely in order.
Yes, I agree... some national humility is definitely in order.
This is right on. Thank you for saying it. He's got an unbelievable task ahead of him - the saving of literally millions of lives from the black pit of despair, and the finding of a way out of a national depression, in more ways than one. I do not envy him this task.
I just love this L&P. Smart observations that go to the core of humanity.
Can I get an AMEN here?
Beautiful post, love the subtle humour.
Couldn't agree more! For the last 8 years, George Bush's dreadful swaggering walk has felt like the embodiment of everything that's wrong with our country. There's a world of difference between pride and cockiness.
Thumb up (hey, what's this on the end? Voila...a plum!)
p.s. I always order the non-chocolate dessert
Thumb up (hey, what's this on the end? Voila...a plum!)
p.s. I always order the non-chocolate dessert
Unwarranted entitlement is a sign of immaturity, is it not my dear? I do believe our country is finally entering it's post-adolescence - and not a moment too soon!
I think you must be the kindest and gentlest person on this planet ... not looking to cars, or manufacturing, or others, but looking inward ... that would certainly change the climate, to say the least.
Thanks L&P for telling us all, as a country, to point back at ourselves first ... I couldn't agree more.
Thanks L&P for telling us all, as a country, to point back at ourselves first ... I couldn't agree more.
wow, thanks for the comments everyone.
I am so not the kindest person, but I am really trying to learn how to wait and think about what I think before I think it, if that makes any sense at all.
I, like so many of us, have ginormous hopes for us based simply on the amazing fact that we bothered to care enough to elect someone we would all love to have not only as a parent, but as a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a leader, a neighbor, a relative. And I feel an enormous pull to do my part because he stepped up to do this monumental job.
I am so not the kindest person, but I am really trying to learn how to wait and think about what I think before I think it, if that makes any sense at all.
I, like so many of us, have ginormous hopes for us based simply on the amazing fact that we bothered to care enough to elect someone we would all love to have not only as a parent, but as a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a leader, a neighbor, a relative. And I feel an enormous pull to do my part because he stepped up to do this monumental job.
Amen, sister.
Wonderfully said! And spot on!
We've been holding our breath for far too long. On Jan. 20, we can finally exhale.
We've been holding our breath for far too long. On Jan. 20, we can finally exhale.
well-put!
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