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Show Volume XXIX Issue VI The Ogden Valley News Page 7 February 1, 2022 Choose to Be an Idealist True love… having someone to snuggle with. Happy Valentine’s Day! create, to be, and to act for something greater By Shanna Francis Idealism and cynicism are opposites on than self, even a worthy cause or ideal... to lift the same spectrum. While America’s distinc- humanity. Today, a “Google” search about idealism tive optimism and idealism was the norm throughout most of the history of this great will lead to definitions that describe it as the nation, since the late 1960s, it began to wane act of developing and pursuing unrealistic ideas a general feeling of ennuyé cynicism began als or aims. Ironically, the bulk of literature on creeping and settling into the very moral fiber idealism and being an idealist is rather cynical. of this country, perhaps associated, in part, with However, consider that most of the inventions the Vietnam War, which was morally difficult and world-altering actions and deeds ever to defend and stand behind, especially at so undertaken were done so by idealists. Consider great a cost in lives on both sides, including Socrates, Jesus Christ, the great Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, Martin Luther noncombatants. King, Jr., Mohandas Idealism generates Muhammad, feelings of hope, enthu- “But if the will of the people, the decrees Gandhi, siasm, a love of others, of the senate, the adjudications of magis- Mother Theresa, Joan of altruism, and a general trates, were sufficient to establish rights, Arc, Winston Churchill, willingness to work and then it might become right to rob, right Abraham Lincoln, even strive for higher ideals to commit adultery, right to substitute Branch Rickey, legendary outside of self. forged wills, if such conduct were sanc- general manager of the On the other hand, tioned by the votes or decrees of the mul- Brooklyn Dodgers, etc. Today, it seems more cynicism shrinks the soul titude. But if the opinions and suffrages than ever, the world is and withers hope and the of foolish men had sufficient weight to motivation to be your outbalance the nature of things, then determined to destroy the best self, to love, to reach why should they not determine among reputation and the spirit out to others to achieve a them, that what is essentially bad and of idealism by destroying greater cause for a higher pernicious should henceforth pass for history’s most fervent idepurpose. In short, cyni- good and beneficial? Or why, since law alists, finding cynical fault cism embraces a sense of can make right of injustice, should it not with their heroic aims to defeatism and is a deadly also be able to change evil into good?” accomplish something good. The dichotomy and malady that dooms the one -- Marcus Tullius Cicero in The Laws irony is undisputable. who shelters this spiritual Consider the Founding disease and the nation that Fathers of this great nation who embraced an chooses to embrace it. Cynicism erases the good that would be idealistic idea that had never been put forth in found in friends, neighbors, and compatriots actual action—rule by the people. As a relativeand destroys would-be heroes and their associ- ly small group of true idealists, they even dared ated outstanding deeds and general goodness, to defy the world’s strongest nation and declare replacing them with fault finding, distrust, and independence. A cynic or “realist” would have misanthropy. There is a fine line that separates thought them foolhardy, as many did, as they a true idealist and a counterfeit. A true ideal- had no standing army or navy to combat the ist works for the betterment of all humanity, mighty British Empire. God is an idealist. Where mankind may while a counterfeit idealist works only for the see darkness, hopelessness, and despair in the betterment of a select group at the expense of world around them, He has perfect faith in each the “other.” We all need heroes; a nation needs heroes. individual. And though it may seem unrealistic Our youth, especially, need heroes and role to many, the outcome of our mortal experience models—individuals with high ideals whom will be perfection. The need for idealists in the world has they can emulate who, though not perfect, lead never been greater. Idealists are needed who by their outstanding character and characteristics and deeds. Heroes are needed who inspire understand the power embedded in idealism’s and build hope and faith in the future, who stir indomitable, optimistic spirit. The light of idesomething within others, creating excitement alism is needed to illuminate the earth, to drive and optimism, and a desire to be more—to away the shadows cast by the ever-encroaching darkness of cynicism. Subscriptions available for out-of-area residents at $18 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: The Ogden Valley News Deer stag party. Photo taken by Melissa Lewis of Eden. PO BOX 522, EDEN UT 84310 |