Yes, there is definitely a strength that comes from remembering those times when adversity bound us closer to each other and how it made us think and act with more virtue.
Right away I recall our families, neighborhoods, communities, states, country and world after 9/11. People really came together with compassion, neighbors helped each other, strangers reached out in kindness, and the whole country felt united. You’d see flags everywhere, hear the anthem sung with more meaning, and feel that shared resilience. It showed how adversity can draw out both unity and compassion.
Love this post and reminder! I look forward to diving into this novel - thanks so much for the suggestion!
Thanks for sharing, sir. I like the quote from Pope Benedict; it reminds me of someone I know who never had the courage to date since they didn't want to possibly go through the pain of a breakup. They've been single their whole life. Sometimes the pain is worth it ala the whole "Better to have loved and lost ... " Will check out the book someday, I hope.
Indeed, Ann. Similar idea to Roosevelt's Man in the Arena quote too. And don't worry, The Brothers Karamazov is only like 360,000 words long. :) Not kidding.
Yes, there is definitely a strength that comes from remembering those times when adversity bound us closer to each other and how it made us think and act with more virtue.
Right away I recall our families, neighborhoods, communities, states, country and world after 9/11. People really came together with compassion, neighbors helped each other, strangers reached out in kindness, and the whole country felt united. You’d see flags everywhere, hear the anthem sung with more meaning, and feel that shared resilience. It showed how adversity can draw out both unity and compassion.
Love this post and reminder! I look forward to diving into this novel - thanks so much for the suggestion!
Absolutely. The days after 9/11 included a lot of this at a very large scale, bringing out many better angels of our nature.
Thanks for sharing, sir. I like the quote from Pope Benedict; it reminds me of someone I know who never had the courage to date since they didn't want to possibly go through the pain of a breakup. They've been single their whole life. Sometimes the pain is worth it ala the whole "Better to have loved and lost ... " Will check out the book someday, I hope.
Indeed, Ann. Similar idea to Roosevelt's Man in the Arena quote too. And don't worry, The Brothers Karamazov is only like 360,000 words long. :) Not kidding.