It might be super trite to say this, but I am reminding myself (often these days) that most people are good, and thus most people actually want to get along; it feels better, doesn't it?
Thanks for this! Yes it’s nice to find these moments of connection and peace in these contentious times.
Despite all the horrors in the world and there ARE horrors. And despite the rudeness and selfishness of many, [which by the way as a 311 operator for the City of New York I know a lot about. Stay tuned for the sequel to my first book “ Thank you for Calling 311” (still yet to be written): “Who ARE these people?” ], like Anne Frank, I believe “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."
But when I am thinking, who are these people that park in front of fire hydrants, block the driveways of people‘s homes, use a city street as if it were private property for an auto repair business. I remember how on any given NYC subway car there are people of different cultures and religions speaking different languages and we are all getting along. I don’t know any city more diverse than NYC. It’s one of the reasons despite being a challenging place to live, I call NYC my home. Maybe more so than in the Adirondacks, at Dropkick Murphys concert or at Walden Pond, the fact that NYC is mostly peaceful is quite remarkable. Like you said “Everyone is getting along, mostly.” Sometimes I think maybe the Middle East could learn something from New York City.
PS. I am impressed with your mother’s strategies. She is an inspiration. I aspire to do an incredible job growing old. I hope I succeed.
I considered writing about how all these experiences were in New England…and then it just didn’t go in that direction. But I do think your comment is connected to Libby’s: when we are actually together, bodies in the same space, like the subway, we often do just fine; but when separate cars and homes and driveways come into the picture, rampant individualism takes over and we are more likely to care only about ourselves.
now if only this kind of community care extended to driving. Why are people at their worst while driving, when they are clearly at their best in so many other difficult situations? (I mean, I think I know, but--sigh--it still gets me every time.)
Maybe because they are isolated in their vehicles rather than actually WITH people?! So other people become solely impediments rather than a potential source of all kinds of inputs. Plus, you can’t get away from them if you’re in your car on a road with them. Basically all the negatives of strangers and none of the positives.
It might be super trite to say this, but I am reminding myself (often these days) that most people are good, and thus most people actually want to get along; it feels better, doesn't it?
I would say that most people are complicated…
Thanks for this! Yes it’s nice to find these moments of connection and peace in these contentious times.
Despite all the horrors in the world and there ARE horrors. And despite the rudeness and selfishness of many, [which by the way as a 311 operator for the City of New York I know a lot about. Stay tuned for the sequel to my first book “ Thank you for Calling 311” (still yet to be written): “Who ARE these people?” ], like Anne Frank, I believe “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."
But when I am thinking, who are these people that park in front of fire hydrants, block the driveways of people‘s homes, use a city street as if it were private property for an auto repair business. I remember how on any given NYC subway car there are people of different cultures and religions speaking different languages and we are all getting along. I don’t know any city more diverse than NYC. It’s one of the reasons despite being a challenging place to live, I call NYC my home. Maybe more so than in the Adirondacks, at Dropkick Murphys concert or at Walden Pond, the fact that NYC is mostly peaceful is quite remarkable. Like you said “Everyone is getting along, mostly.” Sometimes I think maybe the Middle East could learn something from New York City.
PS. I am impressed with your mother’s strategies. She is an inspiration. I aspire to do an incredible job growing old. I hope I succeed.
I considered writing about how all these experiences were in New England…and then it just didn’t go in that direction. But I do think your comment is connected to Libby’s: when we are actually together, bodies in the same space, like the subway, we often do just fine; but when separate cars and homes and driveways come into the picture, rampant individualism takes over and we are more likely to care only about ourselves.
now if only this kind of community care extended to driving. Why are people at their worst while driving, when they are clearly at their best in so many other difficult situations? (I mean, I think I know, but--sigh--it still gets me every time.)
Also, happy birthday to your mom!!!
Maybe because they are isolated in their vehicles rather than actually WITH people?! So other people become solely impediments rather than a potential source of all kinds of inputs. Plus, you can’t get away from them if you’re in your car on a road with them. Basically all the negatives of strangers and none of the positives.
Yes, for sure I think it’s the isolation. Plus the knowledge, maybe, that you are both surrounded by tons of steel
Not sure I’m following your logic here…