On Meliorism

meliorism (n): the belief that the world tends to improve and that humans can aid its betterment

Every week I do this letter, I do it because I want to say hello to you, to let you know you're not alone, and to give you something to think about that's not, you know, bleak. This is the first time I almost didn't write this letter because what does one even say after this past week? What sort of difference would it make if you heard from me or not, especially right now?

And then I thought of the times when I do hear back from some of you, and you tell me what to read or watch, what's going on in your lives, what remedies you might have for migraines, what you're worried about. I think of the times I'm slow to respond to an email and one of you emails me again and says "I haven't heard from you. Are you okay?" That's what made me decide not to take this week off, because for more than a year I've been committed to giving you something every Friday at noon. Why stop now, if you trust that I'm going to do it?

Earlier this week I was on a call with some folks who want to use their powers for good. The discussion was about what that looks like, how grand that gesture needs to be, where it needs to happen, and so on. And I think we all arrived at the fact that the size of the effort isn't what matters most, it's that something is done. Maybe it's writing. Maybe it's donating. Maybe it's calling politicians. Maybe it's bringing food to a sick neighbor. Maybe it's something else. Whatever it is will make sense to you, and there are no right or wrong answers as to what to do. The bottom line is to find that thing or things. Again, no wrong answers.

I'm thinking about you, as always. I hope you have a good and safe weekend.

-- P

Writing prompt: What's one little way you can make a difference?

When I'm in a slump, I comfort myself by saying if I believe in dinosaurs, then somewhere they must be believing in me. And if they believe in me, then I can believe in me. Then I bust out.

-- Mookie Wilson

Endnotes

What I've been reading

Molly Jong-Fast's memoir How To Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir, which is about her mother Erica Jong's dementia, her reckoning with their complicated relationship, and, because nothing is ever simple in life, her husband's battle with cancer. Yes, sometimes we must deal with everything, everywhere, all at once, especially once we reach a certain age in life. Jong-Fast shows us that the dealing with is a rollercoaster ride riddled with sometimes-conflicting emotions, memories good and bad, and ultimately a measure of peace, I hope. Though she claims she is a bad daughter, I'd disagree. By the time I closed the book, I saw her as a force of nature who had been through a lot in life, and was doing her level best to do the right thing with love, even at times when it was difficult.

Next up: Horse by Geraldine Brooks.

What I've been listening to

I've been dipping into nineties music with goodies like Pulp's new album "More" (Jarvis Cocker is definitely trying to destroy me with that tune "The Hymn of the North" which is about a parent coming to terms with a kid growing up and moving on), and Stereolab's new album "Instant Holograms on Metal Film" (which is a very shiny, happy listen). I've also been listening to The New York Times' podcast series on youth gender medicine called "The Protocol."

What I just started watching

"Stick" with Owen Wilson on Apple TV+. I'm one episode in, and right now I don't know if I'm going to make it the whole way through. But we'll see. What are you watching and loving right now? Hit reply and let me know.

Where I hope you'll donate this week

Peaceful protests are perfectly legal, but not everyone sees it that way anymore. So it's probably a good time to donate to a bail fund near you. Here is a link to a directory of funds. Please find the one closest to you and consider giving what you can. Thank you.