In short:
"Optimism has always been the enduring spirit that made us a great nation, brought us back from overwhelming challenges and impossible odds -- WW II, the Civil War, the 1776 Revolution. Yes, that spirit still burns in our soul, says the poll.
But we also know, as we said earlier in "The Death of the Soul of Capitalism," that over the long-term, through many centuries, historians give nations an average of about 200 years before they burn out. Why? Because the "blind optimism" that makes a nation great in the early years of its rise to power and glory becomes, paradoxically, its worst enemy in the end-days.
Their arrogance traps them in a self-sabotaging cycle that weakens their resolve, makes them vulnerable to new, unpredictable challenges, ultimately destroying them from within. That happens over and over throughout history, even as their optimistic brains tell them they're still the greatest."
Wow. I'll agree with that. But what do we do? Clearly depression and pessimism are not the answers either. But I think that any optimistic solution for this country has to involve sacrifice in the present term. And if they do not then I believe they are the sort of 'blind optimism' spoken of above. None of the serious pieces of legislation in Congress have had anything like that in them, probably since WWII. When we will have the courage to realize that is what is required?
4 comments:
I think there is a distinction to be made here between optimism and delusion. I think 'blind optimism' might be a close relative to delusion.
Is no one going to bring up the secret option number C?
AWESOMPTIMISM!
Good thing we don't trust in chariots, but rather, in the Name.
I feel like I should clarify... not that we trust in the Name to save our system of capitalism, of government, our entitled way of life, or any such thing.
But, we trust in the Name that he loves his people, and that his grace is sufficient. And that kings rise, and kings fall, but that the Word of the Lord is forever.
I would say when the republic fails the people and is at the brink of ruin, that is when a revolution frees America a second time from tyranny and ho this country lives on.
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