8. November 2024
Keep Going?! Five Good Reasons
Wars, right-wing extremism, climate change, Trump – for anyone fighting for peace, democracy, human rights, or environmental protection, there are many reasons for frustration right now. It seems like insanity is on the rise everywhere, as if reason and humanity are being sold off in the political bargain bin, as if – at best – progress is slow, and then very quickly, we take two steps back.
Frustration, discouragement, depression, paralysis, or at least doubt: Does my engagement even matter? Does it make a difference? Five good reasons to keep going: Five good reasons to keep going:
1. PEACE IS NOT A STATE, BUT A PROCESS
Peace, human rights, reconciliation – these are not states that can be achieved once and for all. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There is no path to peace. Peace is the path.” This means that peace is a process, an ongoing interaction between people, a relational dynamic.
Anyone who strives to “create” peace will only be frustrated – today, just as 100, 1000, or 2000 years ago. Peace and reconciliation, the fight for human rights, democracy, or environmental protection are ongoing tasks. We can contribute a great deal, but we will never be done; the process is never over. This insight is, on one hand, unfortunate, but it shields us from disillusionment and depression.
2. ENGAGEMENT: NOT DESPITE, BUT BECAUSE OF
We engage not despite the wars, despite the environmental destruction, despite the right-wing populists and extremists, but because of them. Because there are wars, it is necessary to work for peace and nonviolent conflict resolution. If there were no wars, there would be no need for pacifists. If there were no environmental destruction, we wouldn’t need to fight for environmental protection.
This world is not perfect, and it never will be. Where people live together, there will be conflicts, and there will always be new challenges.
Facing these challenges, and not letting indifference, lies, or contempt for humanity take over – even in the face of harsh setbacks – requires courage, energy, perseverance, and creativity. It’s a difficult path, but it can also be a deeply meaningful and fulfilling one.
3. THE RIGHTNESS OF ACTION IS WHAT MATTERS, NOT SUCCESS
In our engagement, it’s not primarily about success, but about the rightness of the action itself. If I don’t hit my children, that won’t measurably reduce violence in the world – but it’s still the right thing to do. If I treat others with humanity, that won’t impress those who despise people – but it’s still the right thing to do. If I avoid waste or pollutants, that won’t stop climate change on its own – but it’s still the right thing to do. And even if no one notices and everything gets worse, it’s still the right thing to do.
Why shouldn’t I do it? Why shouldn’t we get involved?
“Success” – however it’s defined, by whomever – is not the point, and in any case, “it is not one of God’s names” (Martin Buber). Hans and Sophie Scholl and their fellow members of the “White Rose” movement didn’t prevent the war or Auschwitz, but it wasn’t their success that made the difference – it was their action.
4. RADICAL HOPE INSTEAD OF RESIGNATION
We must not let ourselves be infected by frustration, resignation, or fear. We must not be shaken by the preachers of meaninglessness or fear-mongers. If we do, they’ll have won twice: first by spreading terror, and then by stifling resistance, giving them a free path. Now more than ever, we must not allow that to happen! We will not let ourselves be intimidated or frightened. To act without fear, we need courage and hope – even “radical hope” (Gustav Bergmann). Hope is not naive “Everything will be fine” optimism, nor a dismissive “It probably won’t be that bad.”
Hope is the conviction that our actions make a difference, for ourselves, for others, for society, for the world. And hope is not a fleeting emotion, but a mindset. We can choose to be hopeful.
5. COURAGE INSPIRES COURAGE, STRENGTH GIVES STRENGTH
Fighting for peace, human rights, or climate protection is not a constant success story. Setbacks are inevitable, and occasional doubts about humanity or the value of our efforts are normal. But when we falter, we look around: We are not alone! We are many! The world is full of people and initiatives tirelessly working for good, making amazing strides both big and small. Their courage inspires courage, their strength gives us strength.
The world has never been perfect, and it certainly wasn’t better in the past than it is today. Many things are much better today, both here and worldwide. But these advances didn’t happen by themselves; they didn’t just “happen.” They were made possible because many people in many places refused to accept injustice, inequality, or environmental destruction – and became actively involved: courageously standing against fear-mongers, persistently opposing fatalists, creatively resisting all odds, united against resignation, with radical hope.
by Dr Markus Weingardt