Sacred Values: The Paradox of Hopeful Pessimism
Last Sunday, I spoke about the utility of "Hopeful Pessimism." This apparent contradiction is actually one response we might take to a world in crisis.
In her book Hopeful Pessimism the Dutch Philosopher Mara van der Lugt puts it this way:
“There is always hope for the pessimist, because there is always uncertainty . . . that even when there is no ‘hope’ to be seen, no reason for believing the tide of doom can be stemmed, still there may be things worth fighting for. The thing to avoid, then, is not so much pessimism but passivity."
This is why at MLUC we both protest and love one another: We protest to remind ourselves of what values we hold sacred and we love one another to embody those very values.
Recently I have signed off on my emails "MLUC, where joy is an act of resistance," borrowing that phrase from Audre Lord. We live now with this dual purpose, to love one another while at the same time resisting the regime that exists.
Hopeful pessimism is a nuanced perspective that embraces the reality of challenges and potential failures while maintaining a commitment to action and meaningful effort. This outlook acknowledges that while the worst may indeed happen, there is intrinsic value in the endeavor itself. It is about finding purpose and dignity in the struggle, regardless of the outcome, while finding joy in the company of one another.
In her book Hopeful Pessimism the Dutch Philosopher Mara van der Lugt puts it this way:
“There is always hope for the pessimist, because there is always uncertainty . . . that even when there is no ‘hope’ to be seen, no reason for believing the tide of doom can be stemmed, still there may be things worth fighting for. The thing to avoid, then, is not so much pessimism but passivity."
This is why at MLUC we both protest and love one another: We protest to remind ourselves of what values we hold sacred and we love one another to embody those very values.
Recently I have signed off on my emails "MLUC, where joy is an act of resistance," borrowing that phrase from Audre Lord. We live now with this dual purpose, to love one another while at the same time resisting the regime that exists.
Hopeful pessimism is a nuanced perspective that embraces the reality of challenges and potential failures while maintaining a commitment to action and meaningful effort. This outlook acknowledges that while the worst may indeed happen, there is intrinsic value in the endeavor itself. It is about finding purpose and dignity in the struggle, regardless of the outcome, while finding joy in the company of one another.
Posted in Minister\'s Minute