We want to be called to our best selves. We long to figure out what that would look like.

~ Live & Learn

krista-tippett-becoming-wise

I’ve traveled a long way since my early life in Oklahoma— far enough to know that I might be accused of taking this virtue of hope too far. So be it. My mind inclines now, more than ever, towards hope. I’m consciously shedding the assumption that a skeptical point of view is the most intellectually credible. Intellect does not function in opposition to mystery; tolerance is not more pragmatic than love; and cynicism is not more reasonable than hope. Unlike almost every worthwhile thing in life, cynicism is easy. It’s never proven wrong by the corruption or the catastrophe. It’s not generative. It judges things as they are, but does not lift a finger to try to shift them. I experience the soul of this moment— in people young and old— to be aspirational. This is something distinct from ambitious, though the two may overlap. I’d say it this way: we want to be called to our best selves. We long to figure out what that would look like. And we are figuring out that we need each other to do so. This listening for the calling, and the shining, fragile figuring out, are tucked inside the musings I hear from young people as much about how they want to be and who they want to be as about what they want to be.

~ Krista Tippett, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living

29 thoughts on “We want to be called to our best selves. We long to figure out what that would look like.”

  1. I must confess that I haven’t been feeling as optimistic as Ms. Tippett of late with respect to the general milieu, but I admire her stance. I have listened to her radio show on NPR for years. I appreciate her perspective and gentle wisdom and I just love her speaking voice. I find it so soothing…

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  4. Hhhmmm
    On my way to see my father and reading this brings a vivid deeply engraved memory.
    In my college years I remember him telling me “What I love and admire about you the most is the same thing that makes me worry about you. You are too hopeful!”

    Its been 25 years now, and my son just said the same thing to me few days ago.

    I’m with Tippet ALL. THE. WAY.
    Hope is the calm peaceful grandfather.
    Intellect, cynicism and skepticism are the annoying little grandkids.

    Hope is the hard way.
    And I’m not seeing that changing for as long as I live.

    Loved this.
    Thank you for sharing.

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  7. Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
    “…cynicism is easy. It’s never proven wrong by the corruption or the catastrophe. It’s not generative. It judges things as they are, but does not lift a finger to try to shift them.” Here’s to everyone who chooses to make a positive difference in the world! May you succeed beyond your wildest expectations.
    With Love,
    Russ

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  8. Of course she’s right. I must admit, I had to read Krista’s words more than once to make sure I understood her intent. I believe in hope over cynicism, love over hate (or distrust), simple over complicated, heart over the head. That makes me a romantic, I think, a dirty word to some. But I find it lovely.

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  13. It was thoughtful to think of aspirational as distinct from ambitious… and to see how the two may overlap. If someone tells you (as a woman especially) that you are ambitious, it generally is not complimentary. But, if they tell you that you obviously have aspiration, hey – that’s said with a smile and taken as a compliment. Why do you suppose that is? And why does my spellcheck understand the word aspiration, but tell me that aspirational should say inspirational? Hmmm… Think on that!

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    1. Hmmmm, been thinking. Your thought reminds me of:

      Nussbaum left Harvard in 1983, after she was denied tenure, a decision she attributes, in part, to a “venomous dislike of me as a very outspoken woman” and the machinations of a colleague who could “show a good actor how the role of Iago ought to be played.” Glen Bowersock, who was the head of the classics department when Nussbaum was a student, said, “I think she scared people. They couldn’t wrap their minds around this formidably good, extraordinarily articulate woman who was very tall and attractive, openly feminine and stylish, and walked very erect and wore miniskirts—all in one package. They were just frightened.”

      ~ Rachel Aviv, The Philosopher of Feelings – Martha Nussbaum’s far-reaching ideas illuminate the often ignored elements of human life—aging, inequality, and emotion.

      http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/07/25/martha-nussbaums-moral-philosophies

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