I've been saying this a lot lately: Humans are a complicated species. No matter how much we want to follow the guidance of "First, do no harm" or the tenets of effective altruism, a philosophy I know you know well, we are forever caught in the crosshairs of our individual flaws and egos. All we can do is continue in our struggle to do better as we know better.
Daunting, yes, but hey -- there's always room for improvement.
The original ending of the essay was of me acknowledging my own personal struggle to “do better” —- and the need to forgive myself again and again in the process. My editor/spouse nudged me in a more general direction.
To your comment; I guess one could also say “no matter how compelling our ego needs, we keep being reminded of ways to be better, and the rewards in moving toward that.”
Thanks, Beth. I was looking through your catalogue of work, and was particularly interested in the Morocco piece - as our family will be going there in November. I love the way you captured the look and feel of the place. We’ve never been, but are looking forward.
I've been saying this a lot lately: Humans are a complicated species. No matter how much we want to follow the guidance of "First, do no harm" or the tenets of effective altruism, a philosophy I know you know well, we are forever caught in the crosshairs of our individual flaws and egos. All we can do is continue in our struggle to do better as we know better.
Daunting, yes, but hey -- there's always room for improvement.
The original ending of the essay was of me acknowledging my own personal struggle to “do better” —- and the need to forgive myself again and again in the process. My editor/spouse nudged me in a more general direction.
To your comment; I guess one could also say “no matter how compelling our ego needs, we keep being reminded of ways to be better, and the rewards in moving toward that.”
Thanks as ever for your thoughts and reflections.
I like that angle!
Lovely post, Stewart.
Thanks, Beth. I was looking through your catalogue of work, and was particularly interested in the Morocco piece - as our family will be going there in November. I love the way you captured the look and feel of the place. We’ve never been, but are looking forward.