Last night, the guys and I dozed off at 10 p.m., still unsure of the election outcome. Anton wished to share my bed. At 3 a.m., I jolted awake, checked my phone, and cried. The results were disheartening — particularly for women, immigrants, LGBT+ individuals, and many others.
I pondered what to convey in a post today. Uplifting messages? Steps to take? A moment of reflection? It’s tricky to find the right words. What encouraging remarks have you been sharing with your friends and children? Your own beautiful reflection in the mirror?
One source of hope is recalling who we are. The images above feature 16 Cup of Jo readers — cheerful, compassionate, humorous, sharp-witted — and there are millions more of us. Millions more! Kind-hearted men, considerate women, thoughtful teens, and playful children surround us and aren’t going anywhere. That goodness accumulates. “There’s no singular solution that will rectify all our future dilemmas,” stated Octavia E. Butler. “There’s no miracle cure. There are instead thousands of solutions — at the very least. You can be one of these if you choose.”
This election does not close the chapter. Despite this nation voting for Trump — a profound and heavy heartbreak — we continue to advance. Maya Angelou wrote: “We may face numerous setbacks, but we must not be vanquished. It may even be essential to experience defeat, so we can truly understand who we are. So we can recognize, oh, that occurred, and I rose. I may have been flattened before the entire world, yet I rose. I didn’t flee – I stood tall right where I had fallen.”
If today feels overwhelming, consider the small actions you can take for now, neighbors you can assist, loved ones you can text. Recall the starfish tale? Thousands of starfish were cast ashore after a storm. A young boy was returning them to the water, one by one. An elderly man observed him and said, “You’ll never manage to save them all; you won’t create any significant change.” The boy picked up a starfish and remarked, “I made a difference for this one.”
Here’s a to-do list from illustrator Sophie Lucido Johnson:
<p Sending a warm hug to all who require one, and an abundance of love, as always. xoxo And if you’re willing and able, please consider joining us in contributing to organizations doing remarkable work. Cup of Jo will donate $5,000 to two organizations, one small and one large: Ruth’s Refuge, which supplies home furnishings and essential items to refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers in New York City; and the ACLU, which safeguards the rights of all individuals across the nation (including reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, inmates’ rights, our voting rights, and much more). Stay strong, friends; we’re all in this together. xo
(Octavia E. Butler quote credited to Corinne Fay.)
**The Presence of Goodness in the World: A Reflection on Human Nature and Society**
In a world frequently characterized by stories of conflict, injustice, and hardship, it is understandable to feel disillusioned and question the existence of goodness. However, despite the difficulties and trials humanity encounters, goodness remains a robust and lasting force that expresses itself in myriad ways. From small acts of kindness between strangers to widespread humanitarian initiatives, goodness is interwoven into the essence of human existence. This article delves into the existence of goodness in the world, investigating its foundations, manifestations, and the ways in which it continues to influence our societies.
### The Essence of Goodness
Goodness fundamentally refers to the quality of being morally virtuous, compassionate, and kind. It is frequently linked with altruism, empathy, and a desire to enhance the welfare of others. Philosophers, theologians, and psychologists have long discussed the origins of goodness, with some positing that it is an intrinsic part of human nature while others argue that it is a behavior learned through culture, religion, and social customs.
A key perspective on the essence of goodness comes from philosopher Immanuel Kant, who contended that moral goodness emerges from the application of rational will and adherence to universal moral principles. According to Kant, humans have an inherent ability for moral reasoning, enabling them to distinguish right from wrong and act according to ethical standards.
Conversely, evolutionary psychologists posit that goodness may have developed as a survival strategy. Traits such as cooperation, empathy, and altruism have been beneficial for the survival of human groups. By assisting others, individuals enhance their chances of receiving aid in return and reinforce social connections, which in turn promote group unity and collective survival.
### Manifestations of Goodness in Daily Life
Goodness isn’t restricted to grand gestures or heroic deeds; it is often visible in the simple, day-to-day actions people take to better the lives of others. These acts of kindness, though appearing trivial, can profoundly affect both the giver and the recipient. Instances of everyday goodness include:
– **Acts of Kindness:** Small gestures like holding a door for someone, offering a smile to a passerby, or helping a neighbor with their groceries create a ripple effect that nurtures a sense of community and connection.
– **Volunteering and Charitable Giving:** Many people devote their time and resources to assisting those in need, whether through volunteering at shelters, contributing to charitable initiatives, or engaging in community service activities. These actions exemplify a commitment to enhancing the lives of others and tackling social disparities.
– **Empathy and Compassion:** Goodness often manifests through empathy – the capacity to understand and resonate with the feelings of others. Compassionate individuals are more likely to offer support to those in distress, whether through emotional solace or practical help.
– **Environmental Responsibility:** Recently, there has been an increasing awareness of the significance of environmental care. Acts of goodness can also be observed in efforts to safeguard the planet, such as minimizing waste, conserving resources, and advocating for sustainable practices.
### Goodness in Times of Adversity
One of the most striking demonstrations of goodness occurs during crises. Natural disasters, pandemics, and humanitarian emergencies frequently bring out the best in people, as communities unite to support one another. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, witnessed a tremendous outpouring of goodwill from individuals and organizations globally. Healthcare professionals risked their safety to care for the sick, volunteers distributed food and supplies to at-risk groups, and numerous acts of solidarity arose as people endeavored to assist each other through the crisis.
Similarly, following natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires, people consistently gather to provide assistance and support to those impacted. These acts of goodness transcend geographical, cultural, and political barriers, reminding us of our shared humanity and the innate capacity for compassion that we all possess.
### The Role of Institutions in Fostering Goodness
While individual acts of goodness are vital, institutional initiatives also play an important role in fostering and maintaining goodness on a broader scale. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international institutions like the United Nations work towards addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights violations. These organizations often act as conduits for collective action, allowing individuals to contribute to initiatives that serve the common interest.
For instance, organizations such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF deliver essential aid to those impacted by conflict, disease, and natural disasters. These institutions depend on the goodwill and generosity of donors, volunteers, and professionals dedicated to making a positive impact globally.
Furthermore, educational institutions play a crucial role in nurturing a sense of moral responsibility and encouraging students to partake in acts of goodness. Schools and universities frequently promote values like empathy, social justice, and environmental stewardship, contributing to the development of the next
