I have noticed symptoms described in this work in many people who are cause-driven, regardless of their points-of-view on the political spectrum.
In the 1970s, I owned a graphic arts studio. My employees were three talented women, all of whom were active in left-leaning political causes. As a libertarian, I felt obliged to ensure my busin…
I have noticed symptoms described in this work in many people who are cause-driven, regardless of their points-of-view on the political spectrum.
In the 1970s, I owned a graphic arts studio. My employees were three talented women, all of whom were active in left-leaning political causes. As a libertarian, I felt obliged to ensure my business was a place when ideas and opinions could be shared without censorship. Consequently, we would have lively discussions about everything. As the boss, although my employees knew my position on most issues, I made a point of holding back. Did not want anyone to feel they had to be careful of what they said because I would be offended. So mostly I listened and learned.
One of the women, a very talented artist, came in one day looking sad. She had attended a meeting the night before where she was chastised for spending time on her art, instead of the Cause. Until the revolution is successful, she was told, she needed to deny herself the pleasure of her painting.
The rest of us, the two employees and I, stopped our work and lovingly yelled at her. Even if the world is in bad shape, "we can't stop living and loving" was the key message. She went back to the next meeting, fortified, and told the naysayers that she was NOT giving up her art and the things she loved for the cause. She and another of the employees are still artists 50 years later.
At the time, I took the opportunity for a mini-lecture about Emma Goldman and shared her famous quote: "If I can't dance, I don't want to be in your revolution."
Thanks for this interesting post. I agree with some of the comments here that it is not just the left-leaning folks who lose their sense of perspective. It is too easy to become chronically bitter and depressed, regardless of how one sees the world.
I have noticed symptoms described in this work in many people who are cause-driven, regardless of their points-of-view on the political spectrum.
In the 1970s, I owned a graphic arts studio. My employees were three talented women, all of whom were active in left-leaning political causes. As a libertarian, I felt obliged to ensure my business was a place when ideas and opinions could be shared without censorship. Consequently, we would have lively discussions about everything. As the boss, although my employees knew my position on most issues, I made a point of holding back. Did not want anyone to feel they had to be careful of what they said because I would be offended. So mostly I listened and learned.
One of the women, a very talented artist, came in one day looking sad. She had attended a meeting the night before where she was chastised for spending time on her art, instead of the Cause. Until the revolution is successful, she was told, she needed to deny herself the pleasure of her painting.
The rest of us, the two employees and I, stopped our work and lovingly yelled at her. Even if the world is in bad shape, "we can't stop living and loving" was the key message. She went back to the next meeting, fortified, and told the naysayers that she was NOT giving up her art and the things she loved for the cause. She and another of the employees are still artists 50 years later.
At the time, I took the opportunity for a mini-lecture about Emma Goldman and shared her famous quote: "If I can't dance, I don't want to be in your revolution."
Thanks for this interesting post. I agree with some of the comments here that it is not just the left-leaning folks who lose their sense of perspective. It is too easy to become chronically bitter and depressed, regardless of how one sees the world.