A word for you from Howard Zinn,

[G_j]

"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness.

What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction.

And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."

— Howard Zinn

[scarletwoman]

1. Beautiful! Thank you, G_j!

"...to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory."

Amen.

[G_j]

5. this is

my favorite of all quotes. I feel blessed every time I read it.

[DeSwiss]

2. Thanks for that.

- K&R

[patrice]

3. No wiser words

[underpants]

4. Love the whole thing but the last sentence was incredible

that is going on FB if it is not too big

[Mojorabbit]

7. I put it

in "notes" on my facebook page as it was too long for a status. What a wonderful piece.

[SlingBlade]

6. Howard Taught us the meaning of True Democrocy

RIP. Another shining light goes dim.

[Bjorn Against]

8. Beautiful words from a true American hero.

[femrap]

9. k and r

He will be missed.

[ellie]

10. Thank you

[omega minimo]

11. wow. Thanks G_j

you and Howard :yourock:

[G_j]

13. ==

flag at half mast

:cry: :patriot:

[latebloomer]

12. He witnessed so much inhumanity over the course of his long life

but remained hopeful and determined- a force of light in the darkness.

A great loss. Yet his words remain with us.

[paulsby]

14. thank you

never heard this before. great stuff. it bounces in my head and makes pleasant noises.

[PufPuf23]

15. Kindness rules. RIP Mr. Zinn nt

[kentuck]

16. Beautifully said.

" The future is an infinite succession of presents.."

[G_j]

17. --

[polly7]

18. RIP Mr. Zinn

He was someone I read faithfully and a man of such empathy and compassion for all human beings. He will be greatly missed.


"Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein and Alice Walker Reflect on the Death of Howard Zinn
Remembering the lifelong dissident and peace activist and historian, who joined many of the struggles for social justice over the past fifty years."

http://www.alternet.org/story/145467/noam_chomsky%2C_naomi_klein_and_alice_walker_reflect_on_the_death_of_howard_zinn

ETA: I just saw someone else posted this article, my apologies.

[glitch]

19. "The future is an infinite succession of presents"

the polar opposite of "the end justifies the means".

Thank you for posting.

[Cleita]

20. RIP. What a great man and great loss for our world.

He did live long enough to make a difference in many lives including mine.

[EFerrari]

21. . . .

[LWolf]

22. Words of wisdom. Thanks. nt

[leveymg]

23. "To live as a human being . . . is a victory."

Words to live by, and remember when things are difficult and those around us want to deny us of the choice to be human.

You were my favorite college professor, Howard. I love you in the best meaning of the word.

[G_j]

25. what an honor

to have had him as a professor!


There is so much love for him out here, I only wish more people knew of him.

[leveymg]

29. I had classes and seminars with him for three years.

I have so many cherished memories, I don't know where to begin/ I may have actually learned a thing or two from him.

[G_j]

36. I hope you can save them somehow

for posterity

[leftstreet]

24. K&R

[Blue_Tires]

26. ttt

[Echo In Light]

27. Heartfelt K/R

[chimpymustgo]

28. Thank you. K&R.

[L0oniX]

30. K & R for a national treasure.

[FailureToCommunicate]

31. Wise words from a great thinker. Thanks for posting this.

[LeftishBrit]

32. k&r for some wonderful words to live by

[Mithreal]

33. .

:applause:

[cachukis]

34. My student asked me if I wailed at his passing.

I asked him how he knew Zinn. He told me his father was a fan and he knew that I had to be by my lessons. I told him that Zinn's lessons would not be lost. He had to spread the word about "The Peoples." He said he picked up his father's copy and began reading last night.
I felt good.

[G_j]

35. that is refreshing

[asdjrocky]

37. Thanks so much for passing that along.

There is hope for the future, just as Howard would tell us.

[RoccoR5955]

38. What a great statement.

RIP Dr. Zinn.