To be hopeful…

At the end of last year, a postcard with words by Howard Zinn was delivered anonymously and unexpectedly through the postbox of HOT’s Chandra Masoliver, who then sent it on to HOT’s Zelly Restorick, who now shares the words with you here. Words which seem especially relevant at this time. 

Howard Zinn (1922 – 2010) was an historian, author, professor, playwright and activist. His life’s work focused on a wide range of issues including race, class, war, and history, touching the lives of countless people.

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“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage and KINDNESS.

“What we choose to emphasise in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places – and there are so many – where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act – and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

“And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents – and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a MARVELLOUS VICTORY.”

Some more Howard Zinn quotes:

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