I have been very moved recently by the words of Mattias Desmet, a Dutch academic who has written beautifully and persuasively on the moral call to truthful speaking. One of the things I've seen, both in Desmet's writing and in his actual persona - to the limited degree one can assess such things from video interviews and the like - is that the calm, measured, respectful expression of that which we perceive to be true is a kind of radiant force that originates in our circle of influence but makes waves far out into the wider world. I have learned a couple of key things from Desmet's example. First, as you lay out so gracefully above, this way of being has essentially nothing in common with moral outrage, and it is quite essentially, almost definitionally non-aggressive.
The second thing is that the reactions we have to injustice and upheaval in our circle of concern ought first to prompt in us a kind of inward consideration. In that consideration we are not seeking a resolution of the tragic external circumstances but a refinement of our own inner moral sense. We are looking for an expression of the truth for which we stand that is deeply grounded, that in a sense is untouched by the contingent realities of the world. This expression is personal not because it uses new or original words and images - it doesn't need to and it probably won't - but because it enables us to express to ourselves and others something foundational. It is the "here I stand, I can do no other" place. Again, it is almost definitionally lacking in anything that has the feel of an argument, a case, a polemic. A philosopher would say it's ontological: this is who I am.
Interestingly, the second exercise makes possible the first. We may speak loudly and forcefully, or we may speak convincingly and perhaps effectively if we are clever and skillful with words, but without that grounded way of being it's all somehow lacking in authority. There's a passage in the new testament somewhere in which people marvel because Jesus speaks "with authority." As a child I understood that to mean something like "with God's imprimatur", but now I understand it very differently. He spoke from inside the truth looking outward, not toward the truth from outside it. These are very metaphorical ways of talking but in this realm metaphor seems to be the best way of wrestling with these questions.
Thank you for writing this substack. I haven't summoned the courage to write one myself, although I am certainly drawn to the possibility. Your work, now that I consider it, puts me in your Circle of Influence! It's inspiring.
This is such a wonderfully insightful reflection, Chris, so beautifully crafted—as all your comments are. Truly, you have a way of piercing to the heart of things, articulating with eloquence the deepest truths of living thoughtfully and wholeheartedly.
I'd love it if you started a Substack!—I'd be one of your first subscribers. Because the fact is, I'm equally in *your* Circle of Influence. After publishing my first three blog posts, I had fallen into a long slump of no writing because I lost confidence in the value of it and the effort it required. It was a lovely comment from you, responding to a comment I left on a Common Sense article (now TFP), that restored my confidence and inspired me to get back to it, keep going. I still write only sporadically, but that's mostly due to the time constraints of my life. But it was your words encouraging me to write that made a genuine difference to me, despite us being total strangers to each other. So I hope my encouragement of you here will do the same for you. You have a perspective the world could truly benefit from hearing. And you clearly have the gift of words that would allow you to share it. Please do!
And while I'm at it: THANK YOU for your many inspiring and supportive responses to my work—I haven't, and won't, forget them. I am humbled and grateful.
Good morning, Leah. I started my day on Tuesday with your very thoughtful essay, but we were in the mountains at our cabin (a wonderful respite from stress in our daily world) so I needed to gather a bit or time to mull over your words and gather my thoughts on your essay. The Circle of Concern is definitely a concern! I find myself in it too often as I read about our world, and in particular, our country. I often think I should stop reading and watching, but I feel that is then stepping out and not making any commitment to be a positive influence. It is definitely much better - and easier - to stay in my Circle of Influence, and in that circle, I do feel I can make a difference. I guess it's just a frustration with the "progressive" influence; it seems to have captured the media, government, Hollywood, and - from experience, I know of its influence in academia. I fear for my grandkids - which is why I stay in the Circle of Concern probably too much. You have given me food for thought - and made me feel a bit less cowardly. Thank you! And, though you don't write often, when you do, it's inspirational. Keep up the good work. Ellen
Thanks for taking time to respond, Ellen. I just got back from a weekend at a cabin in the Poconos, myself.
I've got to admit, I very much sympathize with that struggle to keep focused in the Circle of Influence, for pretty much the same reasons as you (up to and including my worry for my grandkids futures). However, I can also tell you that this past Spring I gave up current events for Lent (my faith tradition doesn't celebrate Lent, but our Pastor suggested trying it so I decided to give it a go) and the sense of lightness, of openness in my head to focus on the many things near and dear to me, to think non-fear-inspired thoughts, and the sense of energy to use my brain and time on truly productive paths was eye-opening. I also took that opportunity to pare down the number of blogs and podcasts I subscribe to, but even those I retained still can preoccupy and distract me to a degree that keeps me too much out in my Circle of Concern to the detriment of my usefulness in my Circle of Influence. I've been thinking about returning to that more removed state of mind and being, especially now as things are ramping up towards the coming election in 2024 which is sure to be a cacophony. It felt incredibly sane and peaceful to disengage from the clamor and concern about everything threatening our future well-being, and just live quietly in the meaningful space of my personal reach. I recommend trying it—total news blackout—for a month and see what happens. (And let me know, if you do!)
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Best wishes for peace and joy on the journey.
Hi Leah…You read my mind as I was thinking about giving the news blackout a try. Maybe the upcoming Advent season would be the right time for me. I can focus on preparing properly for Christmas instead of all the craziness “out there”. I will let you know… Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. Ellen
Hi Leah… hope this finds you well. As we talked about a while ago, I’m going to read the WSJ tomorrow - and then - for Advent - give up the news, including TFP. Wish me luck - but let me know if there’s something you think I really should read! And keep your fingers crossed that my car doesn’t get vandalized because of my “I Stand with Israel” bumper sticker!🤞🇮🇱
Yay! Excellent news. In fact, it's just what I needed to hear. I am going to join you!—you've tipped me over the edge. Thanks for the nudge. And do let me know how it goes. If you want to email me (I think my contact info is visible to subscribers...?), feel free. Have a beautiful and merrily peaceful Christmas.🎄✨💝 I'll do likewise. (And may your car be protected!🤞🏻🇮🇱)
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Leah. I gave up the news for most of Advent....and it was a good thing. I will continue to be selective in the coming year!
All the best to you,
Ellen
(So far so good with my "I Stand with Israel" bumper sticker on my car!)
I have been very moved recently by the words of Mattias Desmet, a Dutch academic who has written beautifully and persuasively on the moral call to truthful speaking. One of the things I've seen, both in Desmet's writing and in his actual persona - to the limited degree one can assess such things from video interviews and the like - is that the calm, measured, respectful expression of that which we perceive to be true is a kind of radiant force that originates in our circle of influence but makes waves far out into the wider world. I have learned a couple of key things from Desmet's example. First, as you lay out so gracefully above, this way of being has essentially nothing in common with moral outrage, and it is quite essentially, almost definitionally non-aggressive.
The second thing is that the reactions we have to injustice and upheaval in our circle of concern ought first to prompt in us a kind of inward consideration. In that consideration we are not seeking a resolution of the tragic external circumstances but a refinement of our own inner moral sense. We are looking for an expression of the truth for which we stand that is deeply grounded, that in a sense is untouched by the contingent realities of the world. This expression is personal not because it uses new or original words and images - it doesn't need to and it probably won't - but because it enables us to express to ourselves and others something foundational. It is the "here I stand, I can do no other" place. Again, it is almost definitionally lacking in anything that has the feel of an argument, a case, a polemic. A philosopher would say it's ontological: this is who I am.
Interestingly, the second exercise makes possible the first. We may speak loudly and forcefully, or we may speak convincingly and perhaps effectively if we are clever and skillful with words, but without that grounded way of being it's all somehow lacking in authority. There's a passage in the new testament somewhere in which people marvel because Jesus speaks "with authority." As a child I understood that to mean something like "with God's imprimatur", but now I understand it very differently. He spoke from inside the truth looking outward, not toward the truth from outside it. These are very metaphorical ways of talking but in this realm metaphor seems to be the best way of wrestling with these questions.
Thank you for writing this substack. I haven't summoned the courage to write one myself, although I am certainly drawn to the possibility. Your work, now that I consider it, puts me in your Circle of Influence! It's inspiring.
This is such a wonderfully insightful reflection, Chris, so beautifully crafted—as all your comments are. Truly, you have a way of piercing to the heart of things, articulating with eloquence the deepest truths of living thoughtfully and wholeheartedly.
I'd love it if you started a Substack!—I'd be one of your first subscribers. Because the fact is, I'm equally in *your* Circle of Influence. After publishing my first three blog posts, I had fallen into a long slump of no writing because I lost confidence in the value of it and the effort it required. It was a lovely comment from you, responding to a comment I left on a Common Sense article (now TFP), that restored my confidence and inspired me to get back to it, keep going. I still write only sporadically, but that's mostly due to the time constraints of my life. But it was your words encouraging me to write that made a genuine difference to me, despite us being total strangers to each other. So I hope my encouragement of you here will do the same for you. You have a perspective the world could truly benefit from hearing. And you clearly have the gift of words that would allow you to share it. Please do!
And while I'm at it: THANK YOU for your many inspiring and supportive responses to my work—I haven't, and won't, forget them. I am humbled and grateful.
Good morning, Leah. I started my day on Tuesday with your very thoughtful essay, but we were in the mountains at our cabin (a wonderful respite from stress in our daily world) so I needed to gather a bit or time to mull over your words and gather my thoughts on your essay. The Circle of Concern is definitely a concern! I find myself in it too often as I read about our world, and in particular, our country. I often think I should stop reading and watching, but I feel that is then stepping out and not making any commitment to be a positive influence. It is definitely much better - and easier - to stay in my Circle of Influence, and in that circle, I do feel I can make a difference. I guess it's just a frustration with the "progressive" influence; it seems to have captured the media, government, Hollywood, and - from experience, I know of its influence in academia. I fear for my grandkids - which is why I stay in the Circle of Concern probably too much. You have given me food for thought - and made me feel a bit less cowardly. Thank you! And, though you don't write often, when you do, it's inspirational. Keep up the good work. Ellen
Thanks for taking time to respond, Ellen. I just got back from a weekend at a cabin in the Poconos, myself.
I've got to admit, I very much sympathize with that struggle to keep focused in the Circle of Influence, for pretty much the same reasons as you (up to and including my worry for my grandkids futures). However, I can also tell you that this past Spring I gave up current events for Lent (my faith tradition doesn't celebrate Lent, but our Pastor suggested trying it so I decided to give it a go) and the sense of lightness, of openness in my head to focus on the many things near and dear to me, to think non-fear-inspired thoughts, and the sense of energy to use my brain and time on truly productive paths was eye-opening. I also took that opportunity to pare down the number of blogs and podcasts I subscribe to, but even those I retained still can preoccupy and distract me to a degree that keeps me too much out in my Circle of Concern to the detriment of my usefulness in my Circle of Influence. I've been thinking about returning to that more removed state of mind and being, especially now as things are ramping up towards the coming election in 2024 which is sure to be a cacophony. It felt incredibly sane and peaceful to disengage from the clamor and concern about everything threatening our future well-being, and just live quietly in the meaningful space of my personal reach. I recommend trying it—total news blackout—for a month and see what happens. (And let me know, if you do!)
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Best wishes for peace and joy on the journey.
Hi Leah…You read my mind as I was thinking about giving the news blackout a try. Maybe the upcoming Advent season would be the right time for me. I can focus on preparing properly for Christmas instead of all the craziness “out there”. I will let you know… Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. Ellen
May God bless your efforts. I’d love to hear how it goes.
Hi Leah… hope this finds you well. As we talked about a while ago, I’m going to read the WSJ tomorrow - and then - for Advent - give up the news, including TFP. Wish me luck - but let me know if there’s something you think I really should read! And keep your fingers crossed that my car doesn’t get vandalized because of my “I Stand with Israel” bumper sticker!🤞🇮🇱
Happy Holidays to you!
Ellen
Yay! Excellent news. In fact, it's just what I needed to hear. I am going to join you!—you've tipped me over the edge. Thanks for the nudge. And do let me know how it goes. If you want to email me (I think my contact info is visible to subscribers...?), feel free. Have a beautiful and merrily peaceful Christmas.🎄✨💝 I'll do likewise. (And may your car be protected!🤞🏻🇮🇱)
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Leah. I gave up the news for most of Advent....and it was a good thing. I will continue to be selective in the coming year!
All the best to you,
Ellen
(So far so good with my "I Stand with Israel" bumper sticker on my car!)
Hi Leah… I’m not sure how to find your email - which is why I just replied to this old post. I’m at ellengemma@comcast.net
Hope we both have wonderful success and a peaceful Advent, and it would sure be nice to have some peace in our world🤞🙏Ellen
Very thoughtful. Thank you!
Thank you, Frederick!
Fantastic essay, Leah!
Thank you, Michael! That is good to hear.