Ten Reasons to Still Believe in Mankind
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I'm what people call, navigationally challenged. I don't think they finished gluing the first GPS together before my dad called me and asked which one of us would be buying that for me. He cut me off at the pass with, "and don't give me your 'I've got mapquest!' nonsense." To his credit, I do believe mapquest is run by burn-out pranksters, but I also don't like for my dad to just buy me things. Unfortunately, it cannot be ignored that my ability to get lost has been called 'absolutely amazing' by my friends. One in particular told me I needed a GPS that I could ask questions. The evidence was stacked against me, and I bought a GPS when I was living in San Diego. It helped only a little. My problems with finding my way leads me to a story from last summer.
I was leaving work headed to a wedding in Sacramento, CA, and cursing the mind who thought it was okay to have a wedding on a Friday (workday!) night. By then, I drove a car that had navigation in it, who I'd nicknamed "The Riddler." I'd always found my car's navigation to be harsh, misleading and judgmental, and shock to all, I got lost--very, very lost. I drove for a while with my gas light on, until finally caving in and getting off at an exit to get gas. California is a very interesting place. You can find nearly any, and every thing here, and somehow, I got off at the exit where the fine print should have read "Deep South." Nearly an hour off course, somehow I was in a hotter, more agricultural and impoverished town. I was surrounded by the kind of white people who still use the word "colored" to describe everyone who isn't white; the kind of white people who think those of us who speak Spanish are "talking Mexican" and the kind of white people who frankly, make me nervous.
I learned at the gas station, that in a move not foreign to me, I'd left my wallet at work, and my cell phone was on its last battery line. This, class, is what we call "completely screwed." I, being odd, did not have the good sense to cry or pray, or fret about this. I took a moment to reflect on how very screwed I was, and started to laugh about it. There I am--colored girl, in her Lexus, dressed in semi-formal wear, in a town that would be a great setting for a scene from "To Kill a Mockingbird." I sighed, and looked for change in the trunk. Nonchalantly, I went to the cashier with about a handful of change that I didn't count, and told him that I would like to have however much was in my hand on the pump by my car. He looked at me in that bewildered way that sometimes people look at me, and off I went, fairly certain that I'd make it two more exits with what I'd given him. I'm not sure how I thought that would help. Moments later, a badly sun-burned woman in denim cut-offs, and a fading white tank top approached me.
"Just fill up your tank, honey. All of us in line behind you pitched in."
I was speechless. I hugged her. I managed to thank her, and I just could not believe it. I was just a stranger, I never said a word about the fact that I was essentially stranded and walletless. I wasn't crying. Many were facing the worst economical strain of their lives last year, and a group of strangers that I was worried about even being around came to my aid. I'll never, ever forget that experience. I'll never forget how well it reminded me not to give up on mankind. Everyone has been hurt, deceived, or maybe even betrayed by someone, but there's still so much good left in the world. For all the ways we disagree, and fall very short of core values, there are still those who extend their hand. For all the reasons to lose faith in love, humanity, and the future, there is still good here. What would be the point of any endeavor at all if this was not so? Here are 10 reasons to still believe in mankind:
1. People Still Show Up.
Our lives happen somewhere in the spectrum between maddening grief, and mind-blowing joy. No one's life is at either end of the spectrum all of the time; our lives are a fluctuating range between the two. But when real life goes really right, or really wrong, people show up. When the unspeakable happens in the community, and some, like me, would rather be setting something on fire, we show up with candles, and support. People show up. When it gets good--when people marry, welcome their child, buy their homes, graduate from college, get baptized--people show up. And life is bad sometimes, and can cause you the kind of pain that is so intense it can take on its own life form and share your breakfast, but people still show up. People show the heck up. Still.
2. People Are Still Outraged By Depravity.
The news is on, and it's usually not good. If aliens (the kind from outer space), watched 24 hours of our news, they'd likely never come here. But there is something to be said for the fact that horrible news is still horrible to most of us. Maybe we are actively upset, and spurred to action, maybe we turn our heads, but the idea that human suffering is still not okay to most of us means all is not lost.
3. People Still Believe in God.
We can't seem to come to agreement about God, who He might be, or what He might want. We do group off, worship God in the way we see best, and if we're not careful, mistreat others for not doing the same. There are certainly negative aspects to religion, and I've known many a kind, considerate and reasonable atheist. But Stevie Nicks said it best in a song, "we all believe in people that we think believe in God." I've studied a lot, and I can crack my knuckles and hold my own in a discussion about what it is that I believe. I wouldn't believe it otherwise. I hope everyone can explain their own core beliefs well. But without a laborious discussion about theology, I usually don't have those without a snack first, there's just something magnetic about those with the audacity to believe in the unseen. At the end of the day, none of our contemporaries were around for the origin of man, and nothing can be proven completely without that one elusive piece of the puzzle. There's something to be said for the educated person who takes that one giant loophole in both Intelligent Design thesis, and Evolution thesis and decides to believe. There is still reason to believe in mankind when there exists the person who has reviewed the evidence, knows the opposing view, and decides to call his surroundings a deliberate and intelligent act from someone greater than himself. It's promising.
4. People Are Still Reaching Out to Other People.
There are still people running blindly into burning buildings, stopping at car wrecks to help out, and giving money to homeless strangers. People are still sticking their necks out, and stretching their hands out. And it ain't easy, and some of us who reach out will tell you the tales of how our outstretched hands were returned to our sides with bite marks. Tough world, and oftentimes, the people who need your help the most will put up the hardest fight. People will question your intentions, your motives, your actions, and what it is your help will cost. I'll never forget the patient who ran from our unit, filthy, barefoot, screaming, homeless, and pregnant, all because she wouldn't be helped by strangers. But here's the secret--the people who reach out have already been bitten once or twice before. We're used to it, and if we're still reaching out, it means we can take the occasional hit, because there's another secret here. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes you reach out to someone, they kick, and scream, and swear you're the devil, and then they take your hand. Even if this only ever happens once in our lives, it's worth it to the type of people who go to help. Those who reach out are in it for the sometimes.
5. People Still Love.
Against all odds, people will get hurt in love and get right back in the game. Whether it's family love, romantic love, or brotherly love. Even the fearful, hardened, and bitter still love. Even when people don't want to love anymore, they still do. Even when love means the greatest of risks, people still play their hand. The fact that many still feel their life is only a measurement of who, and how much they loved, gives all of us a reason to still believe in mankind.
6. People Still Make Music.
We should build. We should invest, we should fix and we should grow things. But art matters, and if all we ever did was build, fix, and invest, what would we be doing those things for? Making music, painting canvas, producing films--these things are part of what makes us mankind, and if we keep going, then we are building, investing in, and fixing our souls.
7. People Still Want To Be Around Other People.
Some of us love our space. I am definitely one that could not love solitude more--when I can get it. But I love people. I learn from them, I laugh with them, I grow because of them. I wrote a hub on what I'd learned from joining facebook, and I wish I had included that social networking shows that we really want to know each other. I don't think it's the best way to communicate, but social networking is just people wanting to be heard, wanting to hear more, wanting to connect. Apparently, we want to know what our friends are thinking, doing, eating, and where they're headed. It matters to us. We care about each other enough to stay curious. If we all still want to know each other, and be around each other, than there must be something worthwhile about mankind that makes us want to find our community of support and cultivate it. We all must be worth the effort.
Soldiers at the Western Wall (a holy site for prayer for all denominations) in Israel
8 People Are Still Waiting For The World To Change.
We
know it needs to. I was living and working in Washington D.C. during
part of the election year and Obama Inauguration. It was one of the
most heated political times I have ever seen in this country. For all
the ways people disagreed on how to fix the United States, it was as if
people suddenly woke up. It was as if everyone who had been passively
American were suddenly citizens of their country. People argued, and it
was good, it showed they cared. People came out of hibernation and took
note of their own surroundings, and what they wanted to be different.
People voted. People flocked from deadened states to worship at the
holy church of "Change." People know that things have to change, and
whether they are looking towards the White House or the White Clouds
for that change, it shows that mankind as a whole still believes things
can get better. It means mankind as a whole believes in belief.
9. People Are Still Making More People.
I
hear the statistics on birth rates have gone down, but I'd love to know
from which hospitals this data is being obtained. Certainly not mine.
The labor and delivery unit is as busy as it ever was, as best I can
tell. By the power vested in me, which is none, I would like to
officially declare to all of hubpages, that if childbirth has anything
to do with it, mankind is not an endangered species. And yes, many of
the little ones born in our hospitals are...surprises, but many
children are planned. I'll go further, many children are planned for,
prayed for, and wished for--they are dreams coming true for some
people. And almost no child is born without someone who can't wait to
meet them, planned or not. The love of a parent is heart-wrenching,
devastating and wonderful. We're making more people; we believe we can
do right by them and for them. We still believe in mankind.
10. People Still Slow Dance.
Now I've been known to get my proverbial freak on...am I allowed to say that? And for my cousin, who has lost sleep over the serious concern that too much rock music was going to suck out all my ethnicity, my milkshake still brings all the boys to the yard...am I allowed to say that? But this slow dance--the un-frantic taking of hands, the confidence of a slower pace, the warmth of the feeling that rings truer, (and longer), than the sweat of lust--this is reason to still believe in us. Club dancing is expression, invitation, sometimes it's showing off. Slow dancing is a moment in time--"this is how we met," 'this is my mother's favorite song, and it's her day," "this is our grandparents' 'we stopped countingieth' anniverary, and the music is slow." Life is fast, and when we slow down to dance with the people we love, it's a chance to dance like we mean it.
Do you wanna dance?
Dance Like You Mean it.
- MySpace Player
My parents have been at their marriage for 32 years, strong, happy, and they say 'no regrets.' A little uptempo, but this is their song, their slow dance.
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Wonderful, awesome hub! I always look for the good in mankind, too!
Bayou lady--agreed. Habee--glad to hear that! Thank you both for reading!
I LOVED 5,6 & 10!!!! I love the way you think! Great writing! You have a beautiful gift and I feel honored that you choose to share it with the world. And for that reason I still believe in mankind.
I loved your story, so true and funny, your writing flows so freely. You might have to give up 'birthing them
babies' and write. Take care
God Bless
Oh my God, Ty, don't try to make me cry! I am a sap. Geez. I didn't cry getting stranded but I did tear up when those people randomly helped me. Writing in public is still a little weird for me, but it does feel right to be writing right now. Hmmm...that sounds funny out loud. I started this in my head on Friday--was good to get it out last night. I'm happy with it. Thank you so much!
Ruby, thank you. I really do love birthing babies, it would be tough to give up. Plus it pays way better than writing, esp in the bay area. I so appreciate your comment and that you're reading what I write!
Genius as always!!
Thank you, Marissa. This one was definitely personal.
Beautiful work, love ten reasons to still believe in mankind, what a refreshing and uplifting tribute. Thank YOU! Peace :)
Katie, thanks for reading. I hear I'm a terminal optimist. Basically true. Right now I'm focused on heading to a refreshing and uplifting dinner with friends. Another reason to believe in mankind. They make you dinner.
Wow!
I was just hopping and happily hopped upon this :)
Thank you so much for sharing this it was so refreshing. I can log off now with some good thoughts.
Ty Ty said it right you have a beautiful gift glad I found you. May God greatly bless you in all thing always.
Grace and Mercy to you, Robert
I think, no I KNOW that this is one of the best pieces of writing I have read in a long, long time. S.J., you are truly talented and write beautifully.
Bless you and your gift!
Robbert, glad you found the hub and that you liked it. Very kind words, thank you!
Lorie, I can not tell you how much I value what you have to say. Thank you. I just checked to see if you updated about Birthday, sounds like he's keeping you guessing. I hope for peace and strength for your family. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Such a wonderful ray of sunshine! Now that's such a wonderful rising above the clouds of gloom to where the skies are blue and the sun always shining. Thanks for this optimistic, feel-good hub!
This is truly a heart-touching hub. It was so nice to see mankind through your eyes.
Shalini, you're welcome, felt good to write it. Thanks for reading! Martie, I wrote this as a reminder to myself...and I need these reminders from time to time, we probably all do. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Such a lovely, heartfelt hub! I think people are essentially good...and do their best to rise above circumstances!
Feline Prophet--like the name. Also like your perspective, thanks for reading this!
Well said. It's very easy to reach pitfalls where you think all of humanity is corrupt and evil (I know that I've come to that conclusion many times) but it isn't something we necessarily WANT to believe. Things like those you listed remind us that as a species, we have redeeming qualities, even if we don't always remember that they're there.
M.T., well said? Back at you-you're right. Even when we've had enough of mankind and get to that place where we are sure humanity is too corrupt to care anymore, we do not really want to believe that. And really, there's plenty of good reason not to. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
This is a beautiful article I read every word. That story about the "people who would refer to you as colored" had such an ironic undertone to it because you judged them from your own perceptions of what "those kind of white people" are like and yet "those kind of white people" helped you out in a pinch.
I think we can all learn from this and not judge a book by its cover whether its white judging black, black judging Hispanic or any other combination. People still want to help others in distress, no matter what there cultural opinions or observations have led them to believe, rightly or wrongly. People are not groups, people are individuals. Every one of them different and yet all trucking along in this thing called life.
Good people still exist, and I for one believe there are a lot of them in America. Your analysis of the 10 reasons why we can still believe in mankind is spot on. The horrible conditions we see on TV, all of the murders, all of the crime, all of the blame, all of the free loaders, all of the stories and yet there are still so many good stories that go unreported.
Good news is still news, at least where I am from.
R. Laframboise, thank you for your comment. Very insightful--you read the books without the pictures don't you? I really wanted the irony of my own prejudice of the people of the town I was in to come out, and I'm happy you picked up on it. It isn't as if my judgment was unfounded, but we owe each other as human beings the benefit of the doubt.
The other irony here is that I wrote this as a way out of a very tough past few weeks. I usually like life to space out the terrible, and I just have not gotten a vote lately. I was in "I quit mankind," mode and I didn't like it. So I wrote this with all the emotions I have been experiencing simultaneously. I'm pissed, I'm amused, I'm miserable--but most importantly, I'm triumphant. Life works all of us over sometimes, but we all get to choose how we deal with it, and my suggestion is to come up swinging. I'm one who will not sink to the level of bitterness, cynicism, or negativity without a fight. I'm only but so crazy. I know how bad the world can be, but I'm just not giving in to it. I'm just not going out like that.
You are certainly correct. Good news...still news!
Hi, This is a great article on how we are fundamentally still good in so many ways, and I am glad that you had your feelings about those people proved so wrong, I think we have all been surprised at one time or another by thinking that we were in a situation where we felt nervous about being in a place that was different in the way of people or race and have come out totally surprised and happy, human beings never fail to surprise me, thank goodness! cheers nell
Thanks, Nell! Human beings keep you guessing, that's for sure...it's part of what makes life dynamic, though. How boring if we all knew every move we all were going to make.
I'm so glad Shalini linked her recent hub "Born Bad" to yours. I'm a positive thinker who's optimism is often challenged by both people and personal situations so it was uplifting to read your story. Thanks!
Green Lotus, how cool! I'm glad she linked it, cool. Also glad you think positively, and keep going...thanks for reading!
My third time reading this article and have shared it with friends on Facebook. What a wonderful reminder that with all its ups and downs life is still wonderful and so are people! Thank You!
Sweet! So glad to hear that and thanks for reading, Justsilvie.
Well, if ever optimisim was needed it is now - in these hard times. So, your Post is welcome and spreads some goodwill when it is required. It is certainly often easier to be cynical about people than optimistic!
Great hub - thanks for submitting it. May I make a suggestion though? Can we all make a pact to stop using the word "man" to represent both men and women? Let's encourage each other to use "humankind". This best, I think, includesboth men AND women equally.
Culturespain, so true. These are rough times, and if we have any ability at all to make someone feel better, that's exactly what we should do. I almost never take the easy way out, and long-term cynicism is for cowards. Thanks for reading!
Nolyn, thanks for reading, and thanks for the suggestion. I like to know what people think, and your point is valid. I briefly considered humankind in my mental draft of this, but there was something too deliberate about the word to me. I think some forms of political correctness have sterilized our culture and have us "fighting windmills" in some respects--fighting battles that just aren't there. I know everyone feels differently about it, but as a woman, the word mankind does not offend me in any way. I don't feel less feminine, less represented, or lesser at all. I'm not even sure why, but the word "mankind" is somehow warmer word to me. It was more of a creative choice than a social choice. Thanks for reading, commenting, and thank you for considering both sexes in how you view things.
This so true. Its a beautiful hub. "People make the world go round"...
This is one of the best hubs I have read, so many people need a reason to believe in humanity, I wish they would all read this.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for reading, Omi, what really would we do without people?? John, I like your profile and your mission. Thanks for reading. A lot of us have been in the place where we don't think we can believe in humanity anymore, and I wish everyone with cause for thinking in that way would read this also. The response to this hub has been surprising to me, it's encouraging!
I think you really understand people's way of thinking. You are going to succeed on hubpages.Well done for a very informative hub.
Thanks, Sean. I think my best understanding of people came from waitressing. I love that the red squiggly spelling monitor thing does not think waitressing is a word. It so should be. Thanks for reading!
Awesome, awesome hub. It reminds me that, as bad as we are, maybe we're not so bad after all :) And you're right, we curiously are continuing to make more and more of...ourselves...
Benny, thank you. And great way to put it...we're mad at ourselves, but we keep making more and more of ourselves. Can't be that bad, huh? Thanks for reading!
ahostagesituation, I read a comment you left on another hub and thought it so thought provoking that I would check out our hub. You don't disappoint. I think I got off on the same exit. I remember the real deep south from when I would go to see my grand mother as a kid. When my wife and I pulled off the freeway and went into the grocery store she said, "What are those people looking at." Of course, it was us. We didn't need any money but once we got to the counter the cashier treated us like gold. Who would have guessed. Just goes to show, you really can't judge a book by its cover. Great hub. Think I'll become a follower.
Right Black...so appreciate your feedback! Thanks so much. Thanks for sharing that experience. My grandfather was killed by a white supremacist, and we were brought up without prejudice. I didn't even know what 'race' was until public school--very sheltered. We've got work to do as humans, but I think we are capable of nearly anything as humans--might as well be supreme goodness, and rising above depravity. This concert is about to start, I'd like to read thru your hubs afterwards.
SJ, this Hub is so uplifting! Reading it, I can hear your heart singing. No matter what our personal situation is, we have to remember, we're NEVER alone. As a nurse, you come to people's aid everyday. I believe, if given the opportunity, most people will help each other in times of need. Great Hub! BTW, there's 7 billion reasons to believe in Mankind... every life is special. Ciao!
Ahhh, Jai. Thanks. My heart was not singing when I wrote this, it was coming up for air. To be certain, I am a joyful person, but I'm a realistic optimist. I know how bad things can be, but I work like this: Plan A is to try to see the good in people, and if plan A fails...Plan B is to try harder. Thanks for reading!
Positive thinking is a self-fulfilling prophecy! Silly little sayings like, "Do good things and good things will happen to you," and, "Think positive and everything will be alright", are actually not that silly at all. How our mind sets are throughout our days can drastically affect what decisions we make and how we handle situations. Studies that have been done show this to be true empirically but can be expressed in examples that occur in daily life. When you think of people that make your day bright is it the positive upbeat person that glows and radiates with embracive energy, or is it the person that beats themselves up and thinks poorly of themselves. If the latter makes you feel good you are more likely to want to be around them as they give you a reason to feel good about yourself as well, whereas the individual that keeps to themselves and beats themselves up brings no happiness to your life and in the long term you will find them miserable company. Because of this social trait humans share, the positive upbeat individuals have more friends and therefore more connections in the world to call upon if they are in need. However, the guy that is down on himself ends up pushing people he needs most away, though not on purpose, and has less inclination of being able to have support in a time of need. That is one example of how positive thinking can lead to good things vs. negative thinking to the lack thereof. Also, If you think about the percentage of criminals to non-criminals you notice that we by FAR outweigh them. Also, sadly for them, just because they may have been a criminal that one day at that one time when they just made a bad decision doesn't mean they are evil people. They got around bad people and in that group of negativity they succumbed to the underside of that same self-fulfilling prophecy. However, these things stand out more than the news story about the guy who didn't kill anyone, crossed the street safely, and made it home to feed his kids. Of course there is a hand full of truly morally challenged individuals in the world. But to support your claims, the world is far less 'bad' as we would have ourselves believe. The majority of bad things come from desperation and/or lack of judgment in the heat of a moment. The statistical example would be to look at how many crimes of passion vs. premeditated and also the crimes that people when premeditating think that no one will actually be hurt by their actions in crimes such as stealing from large corporations or extortion. Also crimes against criminals...when people do something bad against someone they think is truly deserving and decide not to wait for authority to take care of the matter. I have gone on far too long on the same subject but in closing I will say there are two ways to say this both right in their own way. Say you live to 75. It could be said that it is easier to become a criminal because in the 27,375 days you are alive you only have to have one bad day whereas it is much harder not to become one because that's 27,375 days you have to not mess up. 100% of anything is next to impossible, right? Then the complete opposite way to look at it is that it is so much harder to become a criminal than it is to never become one because you actually have to go out of your way to commit a crime whereas if you just continue about your everyday life without deviation you will be fine. What is interesting is of those two mindsets, and everyone has one or the other, the ones that think the latter are far more likely to be a criminal because it makes it seem impossible to live life without committing a crime. When you live life thinking the odds are stacked against you, that is when you fall victim to the bad side of the self-fulfilling prophecy and when you live life thinking that with a little hard work you can do anything you find yourself, in most occasions, much better off. This ties into what you are saying, I hope (I have problems some days deviating from the original thought as new things occur to me), in that if we continue to perpetuate happiness then through its effect we can make a better world. Cheer up the people that are down FIRST, and then introduce them to your other upbeat positive friends. It's amazing how much that can change the world. I could write tons more…but this comment is turning into a hub of its own so I'll quit while I'm still behind.
lovely hub
Cloudnaeris...That is one very thoughtful comment. You think quickly, and you have a lot to say, it's intelligence at work. Positive thinking is a great way to start nearly anything. It's not full-proof, I've certainly thought negatively about something and had the opposite occur and vice versa. But I really believe in the power of positive thinking. Thanks for reading. Cathylynn---also, thanks for reading.
I had a situation that was a little similar, except I just spaced out while pumping gas and did about $6 more than I had. Then I had to try to explain things to the cashier, offering to leave my driver's liscence and I'll be right back to pay it. The person behind me paid it.
Thanks so much for comment on my hub before. I love your writing style, you sound so hopeful in mankind's future and that seems to be getting rarer these days.
Evvy_09, how cool a random stranger had your back. Love hearing things like that.
I am very hopeful about mankind's future, and you're right, many I'm running across are getting more and more cynical about both the present and the future. I do not fall into that category. I really appreciate the compliment and the read. Thank you!
This Hub is fantabulous! You are a brilliant writer—surely a bright star in the HubPages constellation. I adore your style. Thank you for the inspiration. I agree with you.
Thanks, James! Very sweet, I really appreciate that one. I do really like writing here, though I've made extra work for myself by doing so. I guess if you're going to write anyway, you should find a place for it to be read. Thanks again!
It's easy to get down in the mouth under the constant barrage of bad news that rains down on us every day...murders, terrorist attacks, wars, molestation, and all the rest. Your writing counterpoints these sorrier states of mankind and makes me feel comforted by the goodness which really is all around me; all it takes is putting on a different pair of glasses. Thank you.
Sherri, beautiful profile. Believing in mankind does take some sorting sometimes, but it's well worth it. I do not know how people live in negativity, I wouldn't last a week in that frame of mind. Not for me. I really appreciate the read, and thanks for the comment!
your writing shows a deep intelligence. I came to it early in the morning, so was able to read to the end. In the evening a long hub would never get finished. Keep writing, you sure do have a future. voted up
Thanks, Joy56. I became your fan after having seen you represent yourself and what you believe so well in a forum. I'm still not sure how much of a future I really want in writing, but at this point it's just nice to have readers that aren't personal friends. :-). Also, thanks for the mail!
What a beautiful Hub that gets one thinking deep. You are so right. (1) The Pakistan Floods/Haiti - Millions have been donated around the world and some is just from people not the government. Some have gone to volunteer(5) People say they'll never trust again but eventually fall in love again.... (9) oh yeah...and still making more people.
This is inspiring. Thanks. :)
Thanks, Elena, I really appreciate that. I live mostly in this frame of mind. I think we all owe each other something uplifting as much as possible. Thanks for the read.
Wonderful hub. Sometimes it's easy to forget how good people can be. Thanks for reminding me.
Thank you, KKG! I just love your profile, and you are one prolific writer, geez! Of all the things you can accomplish in this little world, I really don't think there's a way to outdo having and maintaining a strong and loving family. It definitely sounds like you have one!
Very nice story aostagesituation. You say it also in a detached manner and take world and events as they pass by with a detachment and and try to be stronger. With such an attitude people will always come to help you when the need occurs. Well! you might even feel God sends just at right moment. It does not matter which God it is. Wish you all the good luck.
That's an interesting observation, soumyasrajan. I had a great conversation with a previous professor of mine about artistic detachment, perhaps that's what's coming through. I really don't know how to answer that one. I feel everything, which is likely why I can respond with something creative. I also usually detach easily when I need to, maybe temporarily. I have absolute confidence in God, and I love and answer only to one. That's plenty. :-): Thanks for reading!
Hi! ahostagesituation
Interesting reply. Looks like you are in some sort of creative art in your profession. You know I am Scientist by profession. Expressions I learnt almost in the beginning of starting research adventures were quite similar to what you mentioned you learnt from your professor- only it was sort of Scientific detachment. It is sort of contradictory. One has to be motivated also and have drive to do research in the topic you want to but at the same time detached also to have commitment to find the truth (otherwise you frame up in your mind -"this is the truth" and it may not be and waste several years to work on some thing which may be nothing but just twists of language. It happens often in a research career. I think also in art.
Now even more interesting is I have heard a similar comment from a well known stock market player/advisor who comes often on TV. He was saying you have to first study about the stock properly, decide is it good for long term. Then have detachment with it. Do not worry about what market or people say, if your study is right stock will pay back it may take a decade but it will.
Does it not like it does not matter what you do basic ideas and style are the same.
Hmmm...well I'm a nurse, I do tend to get creative at work, but no art is not my profession. I took some classes, and planned to take up art, but the idea of being a starving artist did not appeal to me in the slightest way. I became a nurse, then a traveling nurse, and only take things seriously when I need to. The duality of detachment/commitment is an oddly functional approach. I can easily see how it could serve you well in your field. Makes sense. The field of scientific research has to be a hair-pulling one. I was at a high-risk obstetric conference today, and the instructor stated that we currently estimate to be at about 8 percent of what we should know about pregnancy and childbirth. Eight percent. There are people who have dedicated their adult life to researching just the basics of the second stage of labor, and we are at eight percent. Maybe. After 20 years of study the instructor stated, "the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know." I know the bible is not your holy book of choice but Ecclesiastes 11:5 holds. But really, I guess that's the beauty of it.
Hi! ahostagesituation
Actually just writing the comment I saw that you are a Nurse. I admire it, A very hard profession requiring lot of devotion. Once, long back I asked a doctor," if I start thinking of a research problem, I get completely involved in it and just that activity gives you time being an escape from your daily life hardness, pain etc. But for you it must be difficult. Even your work involves just dealing with pain. You must be feeling much harder when you have pain in your own life." He replied "No! it is just like you. Once I am in Hospital, I forget every thing else. All your mind is concentrated on how to provide, this guy or that girl comfort"
As a nurse perhaps you must have felt even more this detachment/commitment duality.
Your example of this doctor is very interesting. I think every serious learner, learns very early in his/her life an ancient Indian saying "what ever you may lean is always going to be just a drop in an the ocean of knowledge (of your field)"
But this should not be taken as a pessimistic thought. It is an energizing one. It gives you a drive to try to do always a little more.
Oh! It is not true at all that Bible is not holy book for me. A book of that type is holy for every one. Every time you pick up such a book and read a few lines, it does not matter which it is, you may generally feel you have learnt some thing new. Many have written hubs about it. After all, all knowledge you got, is just a drop in ocean.
Yep, you nailed it, the detachment/commitment duality is the unspoken and quick lesson of nursing. You learn it, or you leave nursing altogether. It's true. I love what you say about our lack of knowledge not being a pessimistic thought, but an energizing one. I agree. I actually smiled at that. Our drives for knowledge, for learning more, they seem eternal, no?
Yes about eternal, I quite agree with you ahostagesitutation.
excellent Hub - I can never stop reminding myself that people aren't all bad and even the "bad" ones are usually just lost
Schizferatu, I believe you're basically right. Some are really, really bad, though, trust me. I work in healthcare, there are some people that will never get what they truly deserve. I'm not one who believes there is good in everyone, but I do believe there is good in most people. But I think that even in this very weird world, you can clearly see that with a little tweeking, there is wonderful potential for mankind as a whole. Thanks for reading!
Aww, this is beautiful! I especially loved how you started out and how you ended this writing.
I found this through a google search! You were on the first page. I had finished reading a really crap (but FUNNY) piece on most baffling search queries to make you lose hope in humanity. I googled 'lose hope in humanity' after that, and well, this hub came up!
I was like, HEY hubpages! I'm on there, too! Let's check this out, and I'm glad I did.
Hi Sunny, thanks for reading, and I really appreciate you telling me how you came across this. It's great...and also mildly terrifying. I'm always on the fence about the web, but I guess traffic is the reason you write online. I have a friend who works at google, and I've been meaning to ask him how this works exactly...without telling him that I write things. But how cool you found a fellow hubber by accident! Thanks for reading, and I'm happy to read some of your work very soon!
Me, too. I'm always curious as to how readers stumble across mine. And I would also love to know your friend's answer to that. Your hub was on the first page of the search, btw. That's gotta be kinda cool, at least!
I'll email you when I talk to my buddy at google. I should say in advance that he seems to be afraid of me. I make him nervous, I can tell. I keep wanting to tell him I don't bite (at least not without informed consent), but somehow, I don't think that will help. Either way...I'll get back to you!
I see more beautiful in life and mankind then not. It's everywhere. In fact, I see it more now then ever :)
Very sweet, thanks, Relationshipc. The bad will throw you off for a while, but there really is so much good. Thanks for reading.
-SJ
..well you've said it all here - this hub is like the meaning of life but I will never think of 'mankind' in the same way again - because it's your 'womankind' which really shines here with your wit and intelligence - and I think that's the reason why we're in trouble in the first place because of HIS-STORY - not HER-STORY!!!!
HA! Why aren't you already in my life, epigramman?? Would definitely be fun to blame men alone for all that has been wrong in history...but now we have women in power positions, and humanity is still in a lot of trouble. Maybe more than ever. Maybe you don't know quite as many psycho-b*!ches as I do, but not all women will give you the warm and fuzzies. I'm an advocate of taking individual responsibility for our own actions, words and interaction with others. Thanks so much for reading/commenting!
....I think you have a point there - and that's what makes you so charming, witty - and so darn smart!!!!!!
.....but of course I was referring to the first 1900 years A.D. where women didn't really have a say in much of anything and were suppressed for the most part to play a supporting role in the background - until Oprah, Lara Croft, Hilary Clintion - and you came along - especially you - I just looked up the word - awesome - in a dictionary and I saw your picture beside it!!!!
Ahhhh....great list of women, but I assure you I'm nothing like them (except maybe Lara Croft if I'm provoked). I think my own list of women I respect and admire, Sarai turned Sarah in the bible, Margerita Silveria, Alice Walker, Ellen Degeneres (despite the rambling), Angelina Jolie, Lauryn Hill, Michelle Obama, My Grandmother, My Mother, the list goes on.
Thanks, but just so you know, writing conceals, or sort of conceals a lot of my personal flaws, and I have plenty. I'd love to passively accept compliments all day, but just saying...I have a lot to work on. Thanks for the comment!
I enjoy a writer who describes an experience with fairness and honesty as though they were an observer of the situation instead of simply relaying it. (I hope that makes sense).
Being born and raised in the Deep South in an area not unlike the one you visualize in the article, I had to laugh. You're right in many ways, but I know a lot of us are misunderstood. I can remember when I was young working in my daddy's small cafe when a nice looking young "black" couple pulled up and came in. The other customers, staff, and myself included couldn't help but glance toward the parking lot, then at the couple, and then to each other and exchange "knowing" grins all the while daddy was doing the same, only on a more frustrated level while running around as though looking for something. When they came to the counter to pay afterward, I made the remark "Hope everything was ok, by the way, you're not from around here, are you?" They both glanced around the cafe again at the almost all "white" lunch patrons and then back to me and the man asked with just a tiny hint of criticism: "You don't have many "Blacks" living in the area?", and before I fully understood his implication, I explained: "yes, Sir.. plenty... but can't nobody in our county afford a Jaguar... by the way, do you mind waiting a few more minutes? I think Daddy's still looking for the camera." .. it was then they both turned and noticed for the first time how their shiny new Jag stood out amongst the parking lot full of pick up trucks, Impalas, two tone Monte Carlos and even a few with patches of Rustoleum sprayed here and there, and then back at each other before laughing.
About half the diners came outside to "look" at the car the camera was found. The man offered to take his picture sitting in the car, but daddy was afraid of getting BBQ sauce on something so just stood next to it, for a picture that was later framed and hung in the cafe for years until it was later destroyed by fire.
"I think some forms of political correctness have sterilized our culture and have us "fighting windmills" in some respects--fighting battles that just aren't there." - I completely agree and have honestly always viewed the term "mankind" AS derived of the word "huMANkind" ... instead of gender related.
Thank you for an inspiring article. I was especially touched by the picture of Israeli Soldiers praying at the wall where all denominations are accepted, and they, linked arm in arm.
LOL! Thanks for telling your story, PinkMingos, really cute. I try to be fair not only in writing, but how I see the world. And also, the soldiers at the Western Wall stood out the most for me as well. My family was there this past year, and there are soldiers everywhere, at this, this great wall of prayer...shows where we are. The assumed prayer is peace, I guess. Very powerful thing to see, and to be photographed. There are a bunch of candid photos of soldiers at that wall. Thank you so much for reading.
I'm so glad you posted in the forum on the 5 books that have changed your life thread or I wouldn't have known about you! I had to check out anyone who had Night on their top 5 list, and now I see. Reading this hub is like finding a treasure when no one is looking for one, full of humanity and brilliant writing. Keep writing from your heart, you have a gift to share.
Hi Rebekah!! I grew up in 2 places in Maryland, the first part of my childhood was in an almost entirely Jewish neighborhood. "Night" made a tremendous impact on me as a teenager, and later I heard Elie Weisel speak at an event. All very powerful. Thank you so much for reading this! Very kind words, I appreciate it.
I read this, and the comments, i have been here before, does that mean i am born again..... Ha ha
Cute. Maybe so, sis, maybe so. I wrote something called "Born Again" about delivering babies...my dad, the elder, says, "GREAT!" my mom, the mom, says, "must you always ruffle feathers?" To which I say, "if one has feathers, they should indeed be ruffled, mother."
So glad I found your hubs! Not only are you a marvelous story teller, gifted in picturesque language, but a keen and kind observer of life! I love your work.
Thanks, Katy! Glad I found you as well. At the time when I wrote this, I had to write this in order not to quit mankind. But it seems that this hub is second to where most of the traffic goes when someone sees my profile. The first is "10 things women love about men," but usually when someone sees my hubs they read this one. So I'm thinking I am not the only person who needs a reminder of the goodness in mankind from time to time. Thanks for reading!
We so need a reminder - it seems so bad sometimes but then I think of all the wonderful people I know - wow! And all the possibilities and yes the music and on and on!
Great hub! Rated up and great to meet you too by the way. Yay!
BkCreative, life has its obstacles, and it also has its way around those obstacles. I'm glad you know a bunch of wonderful people that remind you of the good in all of it. I'm sure you do the same for as well, you'd be surprised. I'm finding out more and more the impact we all have on each other without realizing it. Saw the mail and thanks so much!
...well you certainly are a marvel and a sheer creative force unlike any other I've ever met here at the Hub - and I always return and revisit the 'classics' - of which this hub is one!!!!
and the 11th, 12th and 13th reasons to still believe in man/womankind :
11th: Read 'ahostagesituation's' hubs
12th: Read 'ahostagesituation's' hubs
13th: Read 'ahostagesituation's' hubs
Shhhhh, epigramman. If people keep reading, then I have to write more. It's so much nicer when I just write when I feel like it--whenever the creativity stops by. It's even nicer when I write in complete privacy for no other reason but maintaining my mental health. Ever hear that Robert Heinlen quote "Writing is nothing to be ashamed of, but you should do it private and wash your hands afterward." My life in a nutshell.
ahostagesituation, this is a beautiful, inspirational piece. It makes you feel good just to read it. I truly do believe that people are intrinsically good. Rated up and awesome.
Thank you, KKG.
An inspiring read. Thank you for the reminder that we are inherently good, we are just caught up in compromising situations sometimes. It's just a matter of choice.Thank you. God bless.
Hi, theseus! We are inherently good and we choose from there. I'd really like to live in a world where people are choosing to be on their best--or at least their "better" behavior. What do you think? Thanks for reading!
The title of this hub caught my eye. I didn't know what to expect, but I have not been disappointed. This hub has been beautifully and simply presented, whilst bring home the message that all is not lost on this planet we call mother earth. We still hope, we still love and we still have faith because there is good in humanity no matter how we look at it or how many wars, conflicts or catastrophes that plague our world, we still have the capacity to extend a helping hand, think a caring thought and half a burden. Its what makes human nature amazing.
Thank you for this beautiful hub and for reminding me that we are blessed to be part of creation. Its truly inspiring. Voted up and beautiful.
This is an interesting follow, to "Against His Will" :-). I guess we all have to be reminded that there is good here, and to believe in people despite some of the horror we witness or hear about everyday. I really appreciate your insightful contribution to this, and great to hear from you! Thanks!
This is wonderful and inspiring.You truly have a gift for putting words together, but all the good things I was thinking about it have been said, so I'll just say I'm sorry it took me nine months to find this.
Rochelle, welcome back, great to hear from you! The comments from everyone are great all around. They did a lot for this hub and made me think. Happy to have written it and thanks for stopping by!
Excellent hub. I think there are more inherently good people who will step up in times of adversity or who just quietly go about their lives and quietly impact those around them. The media tends to carve out the horror we like to look at/read about. It skews our thinking about life on a whole. Thanks for writing this hub.
I really liked writing this hub, it's one of my favorites in this list of nearly 60 I've done so far. I'm glad you got something out of it also, Cyndi10, and I really appreciate you reading. I'm back to online writing. Sorry for the delay in response.
Just dropping by to say hello! Hope all is well on the other coast. :)
Oh, Kitty!! How awesome to hear from you! You've been BUSY...I got to get over and read some of your work. Sorry for the delay in response, I'm trying to wrap my mind around writing again, and I've been MIA from HP. Thanks for dropping by!
Thank you for this uplifting hub...and one I am lucky to have found and read so close to the beginning of a new year! Yes, love and believing in people is where the hope of humanity lies. Though part of me will always be Catholic...my family and I worship at a Unitarian church. Our proclamation of faith begins with "Love is the doctrine of this church, the quest for truth is its sacrament, and service is its prayer..." I think the place will make a better Christian of me...a better person...a more authentic individual.
Thanks again. Voted UP, Usefl, Awesome, and Beautiful!
Thank you for reading, Seafarer mama. I Like the sentiment of your church. However you came across this hub, I'm glad you liked it. Thanks again.
That is without a doubt one of the most amazing and inspiring pieces of writing that I have ever been fortunate enough to read. If more people thought like you and expressed their feelings and opinions as you do, the world would undoubtedly be a better place. You have a gift with your words and I can't wait to read more of your Hubs! Thank you so much for sharing this :)
Thank you, Steve~ You write about the things I care about, and I look forward to reading some of your work also. I really appreciate your comment!
bayoulady Level 1 Commenter 21 months ago
Beautiful! People are for the most part..GOOD.