Jon, you wrote, "I read a quote yesterday that captures some of why I think it's important to keep politics at an arm's length: to be informed, but not obsessed, and to spend our time doing other things, creative things, relational things, restful things." Oliver Burkeman: "It’s a grim irony that many people thus mesmerized by the news feel themselves to be fighting for democracy’s survival, when the total colonization of inner life by politics is a traditional hallmark of totalitarianism."
So painfully true.
Burkeman speaks to the insidious deception that by engaging with the news (i.e., reading/viewing, and then getting steamed up about it!) we think we are "making a difference" and doing important work.
Your point, that we do better to focus on the areas where we have actual agency -- that is to say, our local communities, is one I hope will be taken up by many.
Really thoughtful way to look at this particular election ... and hopeful too no matter the result. We CAN do better indeed, and must. Ty for this post...
Jon, you wrote, "I read a quote yesterday that captures some of why I think it's important to keep politics at an arm's length: to be informed, but not obsessed, and to spend our time doing other things, creative things, relational things, restful things." Oliver Burkeman: "It’s a grim irony that many people thus mesmerized by the news feel themselves to be fighting for democracy’s survival, when the total colonization of inner life by politics is a traditional hallmark of totalitarianism."
So painfully true.
Burkeman speaks to the insidious deception that by engaging with the news (i.e., reading/viewing, and then getting steamed up about it!) we think we are "making a difference" and doing important work.
Your point, that we do better to focus on the areas where we have actual agency -- that is to say, our local communities, is one I hope will be taken up by many.
Really thoughtful way to look at this particular election ... and hopeful too no matter the result. We CAN do better indeed, and must. Ty for this post...
Thanks for saying so Lourine.