
Yet another mass shooting in Texas today. In recent months, I find myself more and more frequently worrying about the state of the world. The news these days isn’t merely bad, it’s terrible. And I’m often left to wonder if the world is, indeed, a friendly place.
Since August, there have been a host of natural disasters. Powerful, destructive hurricanes in Texas, Florida, the Caribbean Islands and Puerto Rico, wildfires in Northern California, an earthquake in Mexico that killed 370, monsoon floods in India and Nepal that took 1200 lives. Seeing these as “acts of God” doesn’t mitigate the loss that thousands of people have experienced, but at least one doesn’t have to accept these as self-inflicted wounds.
But beyond these tragedies, we have concurrently experienced an almost non-stop assault on our humanity that is of our own making and that is undermining the fabric of our civil society. Where do I begin? In August, we saw Neo-Nazis marching, chanting and rioting on the campus of the University of Virginia and the streets of Charlottesville emboldened by our growing racial divisions.
We see case after case of sexual harassment and assault that have come to the surface after years of stewing underground, known by many, but seemingly stopped by no one. We see powerful organizations provide protection to predators using “non-disclosure agreements” to silence the victims and cover up sexual misconduct and serious crimes, that (mainly) powerful men have committed. The end result of too many of these occurrences is that the reputation of the organization remains intact, the perpetrators remain in their positions and in some cases even subsequently sign enormous contracts despite their deplorable and often criminal behavior.
We see our government taken to new lows almost daily with impulsiveness, insults, lies and retributions. Civility in politics has become an anachronistic oxymoron. Being measured in one’s words and actions is no longer considered an attribute. Dignity, character, decency and the honor of being an elected official have been pushed aside for winning at all costs. Our current President has set the standard for such behavior. And we now learn that the Democrats’ nomination process was indeed “rigged.” Meanwhile we see Congress accomplishing nothing seemingly being driven only by the goal of undoing whatever has been done over the past eight years, and in the process striving to eliminate protections for our most vulnerable citizens.
Worst of all, we see terrorism and mass murder on the steady rise in Paris, in London, in Barcelona, and in New York where foreign tourists and lifelong friends die while out for a bike ride on a beautiful Halloween afternoon. Today, 26 innocent worshippers are killed at church services in South Texas. And perhaps most perplexing, a middle-aged man shoots indiscriminately at thousands of innocent concertgoers in Las Vegas, killing 58 and wounding 200 with, it seems, no motive at all.
All of these and the accompanying drone of non-stop news and social media posts that not only report such terrible events but also obsess over salacious stories leave me feeling debilitated. I’m left to wonder if there is a reason to believe in the goodness of the world. Have we reached the point where kindness, decency and generosity of spirit have ceased to matter? Are our children growing up in a time when the world seems only dark and hostile?
Albert Einstein once said, “ “I think the most important question facing humanity is, ‘Is the universe a friendly place?’ This is the first and most basic question all people must answer for themselves.” He explained his question as follows:
“If we decide that the universe is an unfriendly place, then we will use our technology, our scientific discoveries, and our natural resources to achieve safety and power by creating bigger walls to keep out the unfriendliness and bigger weapons to destroy all that which is unfriendly. I believe that we are getting to a place where technology is powerful enough that we may either completely isolate or destroy ourselves in this process.”
By contrast, Einstein stated that if we decide the universe is a friendly place we will use our technology, scientific advancements and resources to create better approaches for understanding the universe, because our power and safety will come through understanding its workings and its motives.
I can only speak for myself, but I have a strong sense that we have reached a juncture where asking this question is key: “Is the world a friendly place?” And we must not ask or answer it from the perspective of victims. We need to answer it as as active agents —- as friends, as neighbors, as co-workers, as citizens. What kind of world do we see, or more importantly, what kind of world are we committed to seeing and creating?
In reflecting on Einstein’s question, I know that the answer is not scientifically or objectively discernable. It can only be answered in our hearts and in our day-to-day choices. I try to look for the good that I find in my daily interactions with family, friends, colleagues and the strangers with whom I cross paths. These days, I admit it is extremely challenging to remain optimistic. But for me, doing so is the only option. It gives me hope and a belief in the possibility that collectively we can make our world “a friendly place.”
Follow Brad Harrington on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@DrBradH
справки москва
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next post thank you once again.
It’s hard to find well-informed people for this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Wonderful post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Kudos!
Hi, yes this post is truly nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
Hi there, I found your blog by the use of Google at the same time as searching for a comparable matter, your web site got here up, it seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
Since the admin of this site is working, no hesitation very soon it will be well-known, due to its quality contents.
Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Yes! Finally something about %keyword1%.
Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!
Hey there, You have performed a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.
Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful site!
This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Heya this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
you are actually a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent task in this topic!
Saved as a favorite, I like your web site!
Outstanding quest there. What occurred after? Good luck!
I was very happy to discover this web site. I want to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your website.
Great article! We will be linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.
I think this is one of the such a lot significant information for me. And i’m satisfied reading your article. However want to remark on few common things, The site taste is great, the articles is in point of fact excellent : D. Just right task, cheers
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thank you!
Howdy I am so grateful I found your blog page, I really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a marvelous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I dont have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome jo.
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any solutions to help protect against content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.
I am sure this article has touched all the internet people, its really really pleasant article on building up new blog.
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the issues. It was truly informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and fantastic design and style.
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Hi there, everything is going well here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that’s in fact fine, keep up writing.
Hi! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your site for more soon.
Hi there, its good piece of writing concerning media print, we all understand media is a wonderful source of data.
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious knowledge concerning unexpected feelings.
I like it when people come together and share opinions. Great website, keep it up!
Highly energetic article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
Шикарный частный эротический массаж Москва в боди салоне
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!
Thank you, I have recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?
Inspiring quest there. What occurred after? Good luck!
After checking out a number of the blog posts on your web page, I truly like your way of blogging. I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Quality posts is the main to attract the people to pay a visit the web site, that’s what this website is providing.
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a top notch article but what can I say I put things off a lot and never seem to get anything done.
I am extremely inspired with your writing talents and alsowell as with the format for your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..
Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological world everything is existing on net?
Very nice write-up. I certainly love this website. Keep writing!
Helpful info. Fortunate me I found your web site by accident, and I am stunned why this coincidence did not happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
My relatives always say that I am wasting my time here at net, except I know I am getting knowledge every day by reading such nice articles.
Hi there to every body, it’s my first go to see of this website; this blog contains remarkable and truly fine information in favor of readers.
whoah this blog is magnificent i really like reading your articles. Stay up the good work! You know, a lot of individuals are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.
Hello, I check your new stuff regularly. Your writing style is awesome, keep up the good work!
Can I simply say what a relief to discover a person that truly knows what they’re talking about online. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you’re not more popular since you surely have the gift.
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However just imagine if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Fantastic blog!
Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible article.
Since the admin of this site is working, no uncertainty very rapidly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Asking questions are in fact good thing if you are not understanding anything entirely, but this piece of writing gives nice understanding even.
Why viewers still use to read news papers when in this technological world all is available on net?
Yes! Finally something about %keyword1%.
If you desire to increase your knowledge only keep visiting this site and be updated with the latest gossip posted here.
What’s up, this weekend is nice in favor of me, as this occasion i am reading this wonderful informative post here at my home.
Can I simply say what a relief to find somebody that actually knows what they’re talking about online. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular since you certainly have the gift.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This article posted at this web site is really good.
Heya are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this website; this website includes awesome and in fact fine stuff for readers.
After looking over a number of the blog posts on your website, I really like your way of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
This is very interesting, You are an overly professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to looking for more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
js安全 hello my website is js安全
ug338 hello my website is ug338
gilr hello my website is gilr
kokobop hello my website is kokobop
FaFaFa hello my website is FaFaFa
cheder hello my website is cheder
Kanbe hello my website is Kanbe
VSCO PC hello my website is VSCO PC
miyoung hello my website is miyoung
Tremendous things here. I’m very satisfied to see your article. Thank you so much and I’m taking a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
I’m not sure why but this website is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
If some one wants to be updated with latest technologies after that he must be go to see this site and be up to date daily.
Awesome! Its actually remarkable article, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
What’s up to all, the contents present at this website are in fact awesome for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
Hi this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Hi there to every body, it’s my first go to see of this weblog; this website consists of awesome and truly fine data for readers.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i got here to go back the favor?.I am trying to find things to improve my site!I guess its good enough to use some of your ideas!!
Marvelous, what a website it is! This website provides helpful data to us, keep it up.
Hi there! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thanks for providing this info.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the site is very good.
Its like you read my mind! You seem to understand so much approximately this, like you wrote the guide in it or something. I feel that you could do with some % to drive the message house a bit, however other than that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be interesting to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their sites.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your site. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Many thanks!
I was very pleased to discover this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new things on your web site.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is the little changes which will make the most important changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
If some one desires to be updated with most up-to-date technologies afterward he must be go to see this site and be up to date every day.
What’s up to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are good designed for new people.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
Hey very interesting blog!
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Sex pill, This is a good website Sex pill
Levitra, This is a good website Levitra
Labia, This is a good website Labia
Racy, This is a good website Racy
Cialis, This is a good website Cialis
Genitals, This is a good website Genitals
Groin, This is a good website Groin
Clitoris, This is a good website Clitoris
Stamina, This is a good website Stamina
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!
Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to swap strategies with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
I’m now not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i’m satisfied to exhibit that I have a very good uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I so much without a doubt will make certain to don?t disregard this web site and give it a look on a constant basis.
Hey there fantastic blog! Does running a blog like this take a massive amount work? I have virtually no knowledge of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways, if you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I just had to ask. Thanks!
I do accept as true with all the ideas you have introduced in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too quick for beginners. May you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.
I like it when folks come together and share opinions. Great blog, continue the good work!
My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
If some one desires expert view regarding blogging and site-building after that i suggest him/her to pay a visit this website, Keep up the good job.
Вы ищете надежное и захватывающее онлайн-казино, тогда это идеальное место для вас!
В нашем онлайн казино вы найдете широкий спектр слотов и лайв игр, присоединяйтесь.
Добро пожаловать на сайт онлайн казино, мы предлагаем уникальный опыт для любителей азартных игр.
Онлайн казино радует своих посетителей более чем двумя тысячами увлекательных игр от ведущих разработчиков.
Hi! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I’ll be coming back to your website for more soon.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, except before end I am reading this great post to increase my experience.
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers
Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. appreciate it
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
Ищете надежного подрядчика для устройства стяжки пола в Москве? Обращайтесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предлагаем услуги по залитию стяжки пола любой сложности и площади, а также гарантируем быстрое и качественное выполнение работ.
комплексное снабжение строительства
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Hi to every body, it’s my first visit of this blog; this blog consists of awesome and in fact good data designed for readers.
For newest news you have to visit web and on internet I found this web site as a most excellent site for newest updates.
Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological world everything is accessible on net?
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.
Доверьте оштукатуривание стен профессионалам с сайта mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru. Экономьте свое время и силы!
I will right away grasp your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me realize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
Really no matter if someone doesn’t know then its up to other people that they will help, so here it happens.
Highly energetic article, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
Great article! We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
First off I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing. I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Thanks!
It’s awesome to visit this site and reading the views of all mates concerning this article, while I am also keen of getting familiarity.
This information is priceless. How can I find out more?
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really recognize what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We could have a link exchange contract among us
Great article! This is the type of information that are supposed to be shared around the internet. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this publish upper! Come on over and seek advice from my site . Thank you =)
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is the little changes which will make the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!