“The country is in deep trouble. We’ve forgotten that a rich life consists fundamentally of serving others, trying to leave the world a little better than you found it. We need the courage to question the powers that be, the courage to be impatient with evil and patient with people, the courage to fight for social justice. In many instances we will be stepping out on nothing, and just hoping to land on something. But that’s the struggle. To live is to wrestle with despair, yet never allow despair to have the last word.” ~ Cornel West
cornel west is a political activist, philosopher, theologian, author, and all-around amazing person, in my opinion. his words will leave you shaking and squirming in your seat – challenging you to truly live a life of love and justice and integrity. calling you to question everything, to look at this world with a critical eye, to get yourself all mixed up with the messiness of life – like a great blues & jazz musician, to stand up straight, to raise your voice, and to never, ever lose hope.
in the end, after listening to cornel west last night at the university of north carolina at asheville (UNCA – my love’s uni), i was left with one burning question:
Many things have been forgotten in today’s world (no less thanks to social media, rich people with no talent, and annoying celebs) but this is certainly one principle I haven’t heard of before. Sounds like an inspirational speaker!