Writing One True Sentence
The Memo for November 11, 2024
"I am not responsible for the successful working of the machinery of society."
― Henry David Thoreau
As the leaves began falling in October and we approached this presidential election, I realized I needed to re-focus if I want to make the most of 2025. The disappointment I have experienced since Tuesday has only reinforced that idea.
I’ve been all over the place. For instance, upon reading the first draft of this, my wife, very astutely, asked just what it is I want to say here. I gave her a very clear answer. “I don’t know.”
After taking a few days to consider it, I opted to cut the thousand words I wrote about what the morning after the election was like for me, and which presidential candidates I’ve voted for in my lifetime and why, and how I got way too caught up in this election, and others, considering that I’ve always known that, if you’re a politician in Washington, although you may have entered public life with pure motives, which party you represent depends on which flavor of crooked you prefer. Then I went back to what Hemingway said about writing one true sentence. And here is mine.
We’ve created a society where most people would rather experience practically anything besides the way it feels to be who they are.
I am here, on this earth, to address that quandary. I am not a political activist or a political pundit. That is not how I want to use my time, my energy, my intellect, or any other powers I possess. I am here to help the people who have lost themselves see that they are lost. I am here to help the people who are lost reconnect with themselves.
That is what I will give the world. I will work toward that end, no matter what Donald Trump did yesterday, or what he does today, or tomorrow, or on January 20, or in 2028.
So, until a different kind of politician emerges, I’m backing away from all that. I’m going to focus more on my career and listen to more music and read more books and watch more sports. I’m going to do my best to show up for the people I love.
I am convinced that, as a society, we are lost in the wilderness. We were lost in the wilderness well before November 5, 2024.
I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to help people find their way out of the wilderness. I will continue to do that, no matter what.
The Desiderata has been framed and hanging in my home for 25 years or more. I reached for these words last Wednesday morning. I am always grounded by reading them.
Desiderata - Words for Life
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
— Max Ehrmann, 1927
Sulk (noun)
a state of resentful silence or irritability
Journaling Prompt for November 12, 2024
Write one true sentence.
Thanks for reading. Please like or comment. Let me know who and where you are.
Have a great week.
This is great Tom. This turned out to be exactly what I was needing. Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees! And thanks for sharing your One True Sentence.
I’ve never read Max Erhmann’s words before. Spellbound over here!