I'm a bit tired. I know: that is not a good way to start a post.
I don't write on my blog about politics. Which does not mean that I don't care.
When the Optimistic Existentialist asked in his last post: "Should we really lose faith?" I was on the optimistic side - and still am: I think life has not become worse. It was always tough (and sometimes very much more), but now it seems to the generation after WWII that it is nearer to our doorsteps.
I feel so deeply with the victims. Their next-of-kin.
Breaking news: 20 people injured by man armed with axe on German train. Man has been shot.
ReplyDeleteJust another statistic.
I read your comment, coming out of the cinema (an interesting though strange film: Toni Erdmann). Later I saw the news: horror. To think you sit in a train and see him coming...
DeleteThe world does seem particularly volatile and violent right now. I do continue to see many signs of hope amidst such despair, but, nonetheless, too many are suffering, and too many have been lost.
ReplyDeleteSame with me, Sue. But I feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment, and helpless.
Delete"Let me live in a house by the side of the road, and be a friend to man." I think it's all we can do.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote very, very much, Joanne - where is it from?
Delete"Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man." - Sam Walter Foss.
DeleteThank you, Geo., for this information! I looked Sam Walter Foss up - first on Wikipedia, than I read a few of his poems. A strange thing: they removed some of his lines at the United States Airforce Academy "in 2003 to harmonize in perception to the Air Force Academy's having become coeducational."
DeleteIt makes me tired and sad too. I agree that the world is no worse. Perhaps because of modern technology we have just been moved too close to each other. Each person needs space of their own. When that space is threatened constantly violence tends to erupt. Hopefully we can learn to manage our own space without ignoring progress. Humans will come out on top as we always do.
ReplyDeleteDear Emma, the aspect of being-too-close-together is very interesting. And a very convincing theory why people act so mad.
DeleteThe world has always been unstable and violent. It's just that we are so much more aware of it now that news travels so fast in such a widespread manner. I guess that's why I have to "unplug" once in a while lest I become unglued.
ReplyDeleteHi, Walk-to-write: so good to meet you again! I believe that media overflood us - and then there are people who want attention at any price. Or get ideas...
DeleteI sometimes do a "news-diet" (my only diet), to calm down.
The weariness we feel with increased incidence of violence is part of the disappointment we feel at having tried so hard to make the world more peaceful and fallen short. The progress of love is always hidden when fear obtains. Still, without love, it would be worse.
ReplyDeleteI love your uplifting words, thank you. Yes, fear is a bad adviser. One notices that some politicians use hate and fear to fire emotions. Look here in Europe, and one can get a bit worried.
DeleteBritta, I am tired (molto stanca) too of the violence and, very sad for the victims and parents. I am trying my very best to stay positive, with the "Joy of Living" as your blog title suggests.
ReplyDeleteGreeting Maria x
I'm so glad, Maria, that you are back at home (I read that at Rachel's site), and I hope you are feeling healthier now. Use all the time and power to get well again, to recover - and that is absolutely better to attain with a positive attitude - good for the immune system. (I will try that too, I'm not ill, only exhausted).
DeleteGreetings and my very best wishes, Maria! xx
DeleteThank you Britta! :) xxx
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