On a blazing hot summer day in Santa Fe, I stopped to bring water to a man panhandling on crutches. A vet, he'd lost part of an arm and a leg, and when he gratefully prepared to drink the water, he first bent down on his knees to steady himself, then raised the heavy glass jar to his mouth using one hand and the stump of the arm that was missing.
He showed me the documents for the $80 panhandling fine he was trying to pay off by panhandling (his only means of collecting money), so he wouldn't be arrested. I went to my bank, disregarding the rent due, and pulled out $80. He and I both cried with gratitude, and he refused my offer of a ride back to the shelter. He could make it on his crutches.
Something completely rewired in me on that day that I still cannot name.. All I know is that for the next month, all my fears and worries evaporated, meaningless amidst the beauty and grief of this precious life.
Thank you for doing this Keely ❤️🙏Lord help us when we live under such a cruel sociopathic ruling class who treat the us like dirt, who use us as cannon fodder in their global execution force (known as the american militaty) and send us across the ocean to murder other poor people for the capitalist greed and global domination, and when we return from plundering and killing for them in their imperialist wars, brutalized in body and soul and with PTSD, the capitalist billionaires then no longer have any use for us, spit us out after they chewed on us and squeezed as much as they can out of us, and let us fade away in the streets (not forgetting to say 'thank you for your service sucker') and then fine us for panhandling in order to survive....
They then go ahead and invest the fortunes we plundered for them overseas into devising immersive emotionally-manipulative nationalist propaganda marketing campaigns to get the next crop of suckers enthused to join their military, to go and murder, uproot and displace poor people across the ocean for the capitalists' greed and global domination, selling to us their right-wing global financial-militarized murder machine as 'patriotism' and 'protecting america's national interests' and 'bringing freedom and prosperity to the world' and 'making america great again').
WE'RE RULED BY HEARTLESS CRUEL HIERARCHICAL ANTI-EGALITATIAN GOD-IGNORANT ULTRA-RICH RIGHT-WING CAPITALIST PSYCHOPATHS (with their representitives in both GOP & DNC), WHO VIEW US AS INFERIOR, WHO TREAT US LIKE DIRT, AND WHO CONSTANTLY MANIPULATE US WITH THEIR "PATRIOTIC" NATIONALIST PROPAGANDA.
And we keep giving them the power to abuse us, by believing their deceptive nationalist propaganda and voting for these right-wing capitalist scum (in GOP & DNC) again and again and again
I read what is suggested in the links you shared, especially the second one. Didn't have time to look into it more deeply, but from a first preview it looks really interesting and makes a lot of sense. I'll have to look into it more deeply later. Thanks for sharing this.
Still a little long, bud. But you’re getting there. You’ll be a non-annoying commenter soon. Maybe try using just one really good adjective instead of 12.
The beauty and the grief... You've managed to capture both in this deeply touching report and to transmit them, enhanced with the strength of your heart. Thank you.
It is the thousands of daily tiny acts of kindness and generosity that we offer to one another, often repudiated, often unacknowledged, and offered without thought of recompense, and unfailingly coming spontaneously from the wellsprings of love that keep the world spinning round. These soulful gifts are not offered with calculation, because it is "right" or to obey an inner credo, but grow naturally like a spring flower - because the expression of caring is woven into nature.
Cheers to that! My biggest complaint with my leftist friends is they never go outside of the city— and they are proud of it. I grew up near fisherman and farmers and spent many years in the mountains— it changes your perspective when there are practical reasons for things — like guns, trucks or even their distrust of housing authority or farming regulations.
One cannot "see" if they remain in a bubble of ideology. I travel full time in the Western US, house and creature sitting; I have no permanent residence. This journey of 2 1/2 years has given me a new-found appreciation for the diversity of landscapes of this country and for the people who inhabit them. My heart has opened to the beauty of humanity. We basically want the same things, family, community, the freedom to pursue our talents and passions, to be our genuine selves. We have to drop the titles--lefties, far right, etc. As you know, titles have been created to keep us apart because once we unite, the current paradigm no longer exists.
I e experienced the same thing— we have more in common than we don’t. Shifting our focus to shared values (including music, food, and fun things we all love) goes so much farther to enrich our lives than slicing people up and slapping a million labels on them.
Focusing on what is "right" with our world rather than what is wrong, changes one's perception entirely. We are magnificent beings, capable of many creative solutions.
It’s odd how the expanding length of one’s tooth increases the empathy for people you know and people you don’t know. I’m not sure what it is but recently I’ve been confronted with several opportunities to do the right thing. The latest was finding a wallet in the Home Depot parking lot as I drove in. I stopped, picked it up and parked my truck. Reluctantly I looked in it. It had a license of an Indian man, of coarse credit cards, pictures of his wife and kids, probably 100-160 dollars in cash and some foreign currency. I was fairly sure if I had turned the wallet in the cash would have probably disappeared. I can’t say for sure but at one time in my younger years I would have been 160 dollars richer and smiled as I spent the money on myself, but I have changed over the years, today putting myself in the shoes of a man who had just lost his wallet.
I have lost my wallet in the past and the money was long gone by the time it showed up in my mailbox days later. The worry and aggravation of cancelling cards and all.
I looked up his address on line and he lived a little over 20 minutes away in Sharon Mass, there was no phone number available. I quickly decided after I loaded the lumber onto my truck for a job I was doing, I would drive to his house and drop off his wallet which I did.
His wife reluctantly answered the door and with much appreciation she took the wallet telling me how upset her husband was when he called her and told her his wallet was missing. I’m not sure but for me it took many years to end up being the man I am today. I wasn’t a bad person so to speak, but I know there were opportunities like this one, when I was younger, where I probably could have made a more compassionate choice. I wish I would have gained this wisdom earlier in life. I drove away with a good feeling which was all the reward I could ever want. J.Goodrich
Might be worth stating in your articles, if they embed a video which contains essential content not also delivered as text, that readers need to watch the video. Because I read to read, and I skip over videos as I presume them either adverts or containing words which are transcribed in the text. I was confused by this article, thinking "where's that story he seems to be framing this article around?"
siiiiigh! awwww! Thanks. It helps and perfect timing. I did need a break. Usually apolitical, I am diving in to try to make sense. Its hard work. I loved dear vulnerable Allison telling her story.
Can it be argued that the author's stance has a downside?
Yes, one could argue that Charles Eisenstein's stance, while insightful, has potential downsides. His emphasis on the importance of humility, gratitude, and the quiet influence of ordinary people might unintentionally downplay the necessity of active political engagement and the pursuit of systemic change. Here are a few points to consider:
Overemphasis on Individual Influence: While highlighting the power of individual kindness and humility, Eisenstein may risk underestimating the need for large-scale collective action to address systemic issues like war, inequality, or environmental crisis. Relying on "hidden angels" or quiet figures in society might encourage passivity in the face of urgent problems requiring organized, political solutions.
Escape from Political Responsibility: By encouraging people, especially politically engaged readers, to "look outside" the political sphere, the article could be interpreted as promoting a retreat from necessary political discourse and activism. This might make readers feel that personal virtue and small acts of kindness are enough, potentially overlooking the importance of tackling structural injustices through policy and reform.
Romanticizing the Powerless: Eisenstein’s portrayal of humble individuals as having significant influence in mysterious ways could romanticize the position of those who are marginalized or powerless. While these individuals may indeed have great wisdom or kindness, systemic inequities still limit their capacity to effect large-scale change, and ignoring this reality could obscure the need for social justice movements that address power imbalances.
Neglect of Urgency: The article's focus on personal transformation and gratitude may not resonate with those who feel a sense of urgency to address imminent crises. In moments where swift political action or social activism is required, Eisenstein's approach might seem too detached from the practical realities of crisis management.
While Eisenstein’s message about the unseen power of ordinary individuals is inspiring, there is a potential downside if it leads to disengagement from larger political or social issues.
omygoodness!! WHO ARE YOU? you spoke exactly my heart. While I agree with everything Charles said, also feel the same way like YOU. I am so happy there is someone like you that can explain it with PERFECTION what it would take to repair the huge damage we are into. We do need POLITIC because it is what it is needed to restore societies. We need GREAT People with great courage to come to the front. AND We need to find a way to do it IN THE MOST POSSIBLE WAY WITH THE LEAST CASUALTIES.
You raise important questions. Eisenstein’s philosophy is a kind of New Age retread of Christianity, with the Mother Goddess Gaia standing in for God Yahweh the Father. Many thinkers have pointed out that Christianity at times has led to the perpetually humble in spirit becoming utterly powerless to effect any kind of political change in society because of their fixation on small acts of kindness and nothing else. Romanticizing the Powerless, which is what Christianity has often done throughout history, has not always served the powerless well — oftentimes it led to them simply becoming more powerless, more totally defeated than they were before.
These thoughts are familiar to me. These are questions I am pondering these days. What I am shifting towards is the realisation that I need both. The urgent political action, responsibility and addressing the reality of the all-pervading importance of the political sphere – and the humble, in the moment, simple facts of my daily life and the people in it. My actual encounters and the actual grass beneath my feet This is needed to see clearly, sense directly and remain grounded.
With due respect Charles you have been immersed in the political arena and you have created this field of discourse.
Leadership is a fine-edged tool. Many people just follow the leader and agree with the opinions that are already well-lodged in their minds and hearts.
I like to look at things from different perspectives. For example we throw out words like kindness. But without strength and clear boundaries kindness can be a form of self-congratulatory expression. It can also be laced with weakness.
“Look at what a nice person I am!” I don’t think too much about whether or not I am kind. If I have to think about it I am probably not. There are other virtues which I think require more in-depth expression. Courage for example. To stand up in the face of displeasure and censure from those who don’t agree with one is not easy. It requires integrity and a willingness to not be immersed in one’s image of who one thinks one is.
A leader must be able to be unpopular. They must be able to say what people need to hear rather than what they want to hear.
I am yet to hear mention of the truth in your messages. We like to hear that which accords us comfort but the Truth is the Comforter.
The truth doesn’t need to be kind or cruel. It speaks from a position of sovereignty which cannot be dethroned.
The truth does not reside in human opinions. It is at a higher level which can and does express what is needed for the appropriate time. It is not fixed in concrete as an absolute but it cannot be changed to suit human requirements.
Much is said about love but without the cornerstone of truth we probably love that which makes us feel good.
It takes both courage and kindness to stand in one’s sovereignty knowing that one cannot fix the world.
Charles you are losing your mojo. Too much time with Kennedy. Too much time trying to defend the indefensible. Consider returning to your roots of collective emergence. There are not ways to love, live is the way. CCJ 🌿🌞💕
On a blazing hot summer day in Santa Fe, I stopped to bring water to a man panhandling on crutches. A vet, he'd lost part of an arm and a leg, and when he gratefully prepared to drink the water, he first bent down on his knees to steady himself, then raised the heavy glass jar to his mouth using one hand and the stump of the arm that was missing.
He showed me the documents for the $80 panhandling fine he was trying to pay off by panhandling (his only means of collecting money), so he wouldn't be arrested. I went to my bank, disregarding the rent due, and pulled out $80. He and I both cried with gratitude, and he refused my offer of a ride back to the shelter. He could make it on his crutches.
Something completely rewired in me on that day that I still cannot name.. All I know is that for the next month, all my fears and worries evaporated, meaningless amidst the beauty and grief of this precious life.
Thank you for doing this Keely ❤️🙏Lord help us when we live under such a cruel sociopathic ruling class who treat the us like dirt, who use us as cannon fodder in their global execution force (known as the american militaty) and send us across the ocean to murder other poor people for the capitalist greed and global domination, and when we return from plundering and killing for them in their imperialist wars, brutalized in body and soul and with PTSD, the capitalist billionaires then no longer have any use for us, spit us out after they chewed on us and squeezed as much as they can out of us, and let us fade away in the streets (not forgetting to say 'thank you for your service sucker') and then fine us for panhandling in order to survive....
They then go ahead and invest the fortunes we plundered for them overseas into devising immersive emotionally-manipulative nationalist propaganda marketing campaigns to get the next crop of suckers enthused to join their military, to go and murder, uproot and displace poor people across the ocean for the capitalists' greed and global domination, selling to us their right-wing global financial-militarized murder machine as 'patriotism' and 'protecting america's national interests' and 'bringing freedom and prosperity to the world' and 'making america great again').
WE'RE RULED BY HEARTLESS CRUEL HIERARCHICAL ANTI-EGALITATIAN GOD-IGNORANT ULTRA-RICH RIGHT-WING CAPITALIST PSYCHOPATHS (with their representitives in both GOP & DNC), WHO VIEW US AS INFERIOR, WHO TREAT US LIKE DIRT, AND WHO CONSTANTLY MANIPULATE US WITH THEIR "PATRIOTIC" NATIONALIST PROPAGANDA.
And we keep giving them the power to abuse us, by believing their deceptive nationalist propaganda and voting for these right-wing capitalist scum (in GOP & DNC) again and again and again
Here's exactly how the ruling class billionaires play this trick on us over and over and over again (and we never seem to learn but keep falling for it again and again) https://www.pdrboston.org/oppressors-need-bogeyman-enemies
And here's a possible alternative to the billionaire's control over society (through their hierarchical anti-egalitarian political and economic mafia system) https://johnspritzler.substack.com/p/the-striking-45000-dock-workers-should?
I read what is suggested in the links you shared, especially the second one. Didn't have time to look into it more deeply, but from a first preview it looks really interesting and makes a lot of sense. I'll have to look into it more deeply later. Thanks for sharing this.
Still a little long, bud. But you’re getting there. You’ll be a non-annoying commenter soon. Maybe try using just one really good adjective instead of 12.
The beauty and the grief... You've managed to capture both in this deeply touching report and to transmit them, enhanced with the strength of your heart. Thank you.
THANK YOU.
It is the thousands of daily tiny acts of kindness and generosity that we offer to one another, often repudiated, often unacknowledged, and offered without thought of recompense, and unfailingly coming spontaneously from the wellsprings of love that keep the world spinning round. These soulful gifts are not offered with calculation, because it is "right" or to obey an inner credo, but grow naturally like a spring flower - because the expression of caring is woven into nature.
Very beautifully put. Thank you for your open heart which holds all the finest, highest qualities a human being can have…all expressions of love.
Beautifully stated!
Cheers to that! My biggest complaint with my leftist friends is they never go outside of the city— and they are proud of it. I grew up near fisherman and farmers and spent many years in the mountains— it changes your perspective when there are practical reasons for things — like guns, trucks or even their distrust of housing authority or farming regulations.
One cannot "see" if they remain in a bubble of ideology. I travel full time in the Western US, house and creature sitting; I have no permanent residence. This journey of 2 1/2 years has given me a new-found appreciation for the diversity of landscapes of this country and for the people who inhabit them. My heart has opened to the beauty of humanity. We basically want the same things, family, community, the freedom to pursue our talents and passions, to be our genuine selves. We have to drop the titles--lefties, far right, etc. As you know, titles have been created to keep us apart because once we unite, the current paradigm no longer exists.
I e experienced the same thing— we have more in common than we don’t. Shifting our focus to shared values (including music, food, and fun things we all love) goes so much farther to enrich our lives than slicing people up and slapping a million labels on them.
Focusing on what is "right" with our world rather than what is wrong, changes one's perception entirely. We are magnificent beings, capable of many creative solutions.
It’s odd how the expanding length of one’s tooth increases the empathy for people you know and people you don’t know. I’m not sure what it is but recently I’ve been confronted with several opportunities to do the right thing. The latest was finding a wallet in the Home Depot parking lot as I drove in. I stopped, picked it up and parked my truck. Reluctantly I looked in it. It had a license of an Indian man, of coarse credit cards, pictures of his wife and kids, probably 100-160 dollars in cash and some foreign currency. I was fairly sure if I had turned the wallet in the cash would have probably disappeared. I can’t say for sure but at one time in my younger years I would have been 160 dollars richer and smiled as I spent the money on myself, but I have changed over the years, today putting myself in the shoes of a man who had just lost his wallet.
I have lost my wallet in the past and the money was long gone by the time it showed up in my mailbox days later. The worry and aggravation of cancelling cards and all.
I looked up his address on line and he lived a little over 20 minutes away in Sharon Mass, there was no phone number available. I quickly decided after I loaded the lumber onto my truck for a job I was doing, I would drive to his house and drop off his wallet which I did.
His wife reluctantly answered the door and with much appreciation she took the wallet telling me how upset her husband was when he called her and told her his wallet was missing. I’m not sure but for me it took many years to end up being the man I am today. I wasn’t a bad person so to speak, but I know there were opportunities like this one, when I was younger, where I probably could have made a more compassionate choice. I wish I would have gained this wisdom earlier in life. I drove away with a good feeling which was all the reward I could ever want. J.Goodrich
Your name fits you.
Good for you! What a loving thing to do for your fellow man. Thank you for your honest snd touching story…it really matters. 🫶
I always appreciate words that prompt a consideration of humility that hopefully wok keep us humble.
Great story
Beautiful story! There are beautiful people that walk amongst us...keep your eyes peeled for them.
They are everywhere.
Might be worth stating in your articles, if they embed a video which contains essential content not also delivered as text, that readers need to watch the video. Because I read to read, and I skip over videos as I presume them either adverts or containing words which are transcribed in the text. I was confused by this article, thinking "where's that story he seems to be framing this article around?"
Inspiring story...need more humble Angels!
siiiiigh! awwww! Thanks. It helps and perfect timing. I did need a break. Usually apolitical, I am diving in to try to make sense. Its hard work. I loved dear vulnerable Allison telling her story.
Can it be argued that the author's stance has a downside?
Yes, one could argue that Charles Eisenstein's stance, while insightful, has potential downsides. His emphasis on the importance of humility, gratitude, and the quiet influence of ordinary people might unintentionally downplay the necessity of active political engagement and the pursuit of systemic change. Here are a few points to consider:
Overemphasis on Individual Influence: While highlighting the power of individual kindness and humility, Eisenstein may risk underestimating the need for large-scale collective action to address systemic issues like war, inequality, or environmental crisis. Relying on "hidden angels" or quiet figures in society might encourage passivity in the face of urgent problems requiring organized, political solutions.
Escape from Political Responsibility: By encouraging people, especially politically engaged readers, to "look outside" the political sphere, the article could be interpreted as promoting a retreat from necessary political discourse and activism. This might make readers feel that personal virtue and small acts of kindness are enough, potentially overlooking the importance of tackling structural injustices through policy and reform.
Romanticizing the Powerless: Eisenstein’s portrayal of humble individuals as having significant influence in mysterious ways could romanticize the position of those who are marginalized or powerless. While these individuals may indeed have great wisdom or kindness, systemic inequities still limit their capacity to effect large-scale change, and ignoring this reality could obscure the need for social justice movements that address power imbalances.
Neglect of Urgency: The article's focus on personal transformation and gratitude may not resonate with those who feel a sense of urgency to address imminent crises. In moments where swift political action or social activism is required, Eisenstein's approach might seem too detached from the practical realities of crisis management.
While Eisenstein’s message about the unseen power of ordinary individuals is inspiring, there is a potential downside if it leads to disengagement from larger political or social issues.
Did you just pop Charle’s essay into AI and ask it to critique it, then post the response here?
Could be.
omygoodness!! WHO ARE YOU? you spoke exactly my heart. While I agree with everything Charles said, also feel the same way like YOU. I am so happy there is someone like you that can explain it with PERFECTION what it would take to repair the huge damage we are into. We do need POLITIC because it is what it is needed to restore societies. We need GREAT People with great courage to come to the front. AND We need to find a way to do it IN THE MOST POSSIBLE WAY WITH THE LEAST CASUALTIES.
AI is great for all that.
You raise important questions. Eisenstein’s philosophy is a kind of New Age retread of Christianity, with the Mother Goddess Gaia standing in for God Yahweh the Father. Many thinkers have pointed out that Christianity at times has led to the perpetually humble in spirit becoming utterly powerless to effect any kind of political change in society because of their fixation on small acts of kindness and nothing else. Romanticizing the Powerless, which is what Christianity has often done throughout history, has not always served the powerless well — oftentimes it led to them simply becoming more powerless, more totally defeated than they were before.
These thoughts are familiar to me. These are questions I am pondering these days. What I am shifting towards is the realisation that I need both. The urgent political action, responsibility and addressing the reality of the all-pervading importance of the political sphere – and the humble, in the moment, simple facts of my daily life and the people in it. My actual encounters and the actual grass beneath my feet This is needed to see clearly, sense directly and remain grounded.
Spoken like a true progressive.
Thanks for this.
More please.
With due respect Charles you have been immersed in the political arena and you have created this field of discourse.
Leadership is a fine-edged tool. Many people just follow the leader and agree with the opinions that are already well-lodged in their minds and hearts.
I like to look at things from different perspectives. For example we throw out words like kindness. But without strength and clear boundaries kindness can be a form of self-congratulatory expression. It can also be laced with weakness.
“Look at what a nice person I am!” I don’t think too much about whether or not I am kind. If I have to think about it I am probably not. There are other virtues which I think require more in-depth expression. Courage for example. To stand up in the face of displeasure and censure from those who don’t agree with one is not easy. It requires integrity and a willingness to not be immersed in one’s image of who one thinks one is.
A leader must be able to be unpopular. They must be able to say what people need to hear rather than what they want to hear.
I am yet to hear mention of the truth in your messages. We like to hear that which accords us comfort but the Truth is the Comforter.
The truth doesn’t need to be kind or cruel. It speaks from a position of sovereignty which cannot be dethroned.
The truth does not reside in human opinions. It is at a higher level which can and does express what is needed for the appropriate time. It is not fixed in concrete as an absolute but it cannot be changed to suit human requirements.
Much is said about love but without the cornerstone of truth we probably love that which makes us feel good.
It takes both courage and kindness to stand in one’s sovereignty knowing that one cannot fix the world.
Charles you are losing your mojo. Too much time with Kennedy. Too much time trying to defend the indefensible. Consider returning to your roots of collective emergence. There are not ways to love, live is the way. CCJ 🌿🌞💕
Beautiful. Trying to do my part in this great, at times overwhelming mess.
Such a beautiful posting, & message. And I needed it right now, so ... thank you! Very much.