Howdy, Two Things readers. I’m on the mend after back surgery. In the old days, I loved the endorphins from a runner’s high. A few days ago I felt euphoric over being able to get into bed without cringing pain. Our fragility at any given moment feels absurd when juxtaposed with our feats of strength but both conditions are equally “us”. When momentarily down for the count, it’s best just to laugh at our own expense. I’m grateful for a native Irish sensibility that knows no other way forward.
Humility has always been a characteristic I value highly, and in my recuperative mode, perhaps I’m acutely attuned for it. I’ve been a fan of David Brooks for over a decade and a recent speech of his spoke to me. He’s a brilliant and wildly successful New York Times Columnist and best-selling author. In a deeply brave way, he publicly confesses that his life went into a ditch in 2013.
He believes, and I agree, that the country, too, is in a social ditch. Our rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and opioid addiction are off the charts. Last year, Fortune magazine reported that nearly half of all Americans feel lonely and isolated (younger people more so than older people). #technology?
What Brooks’ learned from his own experience is poignant, timely and important to be shared because he offers a hopeful prescription for getting us out of our collective ditch. The answer he says is acting locally, investing in the quality of our relationships and sacrificing together for mutual gains. You can watch the whole thing here on YouTube or sample a
As always, thanks for your friendship and readership!
Dan
