How Much Hope is OK?
Channel: vlogbrothers
Date: 2021-03-05

In the video I describe a worry that it is selfish to feel nice in a world that remains full of bad things. I'm not sure if selfishness is the right word, but I don't know what the right word is? 

I do not want to feel the mix of rage and powerlessness that I often feel. But I do want to remain unsatisfied at the inadequacy of our response to injustice and suffering. I don't know if rage is the right emotion for me, or even anger. I think hunger is a better word...something that primarily motivates me toward action. And part of the cycle of hunger is enjoying eating, right? Like, at the end of a day of hard work, good food is a joy...it's not a stop to the gas station just to fill up the tank, it's a marvel. 

The achievement necessary to get vaccines developed and into people...it could have been better, and rollout remains imperfect, but it's a marvel of humanity. It's something that I believe really deeply that we need to celebrate. Nothing is perfect, but this is really amazing, and I am down to indulge in some good ol' fashioned joy that this is happening. 

That doesn't mean that I'm going to remain satisfied or complacent for the whole rest of my life! There is still much to do, but I kinda want to try and enjoy doing it. 

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