Feeling down about the state of the world?
Perhaps these thoughts from E.B. White will provide hope and comfort.
He wrote this letter in 1973 to Mr. Nadeau who was despondent about the fate of the human race.
North Brooklin, Maine
30 March 1973
Dear Mr. Nadeau:
As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.
Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society—things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out.
Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.
Sincerely,
E. B. White
This letter was written in 1973. Were those the “good old days”?
E.B. White, 1899-1985, American author is known for the children’s books Stuart Little and Charlottes’s Web. He also contributed articles to The New Yorker and Harper’s.
He co-authored the expanded edition of The Elements of Style.
Lori Greer in Portland 
What a wonderful letter. Thank you for sharing. So great to once again see and hear your voice. I have not got a clock to wind today but I have one that needs a new battery. Today’s the day to set it working again aright. Thank you. Peace and Grace to you.
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Life has been tough. Glad to connect with you.
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And Amen to that Lori, there is always a light somewhere, sometime…and a love to go with it. We just have to find it within ourselves 😀 ❤
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Thank you Mark for sharin your thoughts. I agree even though it can be hard at times!
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It is very hard. Big hugs dear lady ❤
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I have often said “Tomorrow is another day,” but didn’t know that E.B. White said it better.
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i love this letter
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Comparing life to the weather is a great analogy. So true that some days are sunny, while others are dark and stormy. Sometimes it can change within the same day. Faith that things will somehow improve keeps us going.
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I believe there are plenty of decent people in the world. Unfortunately, many of the most selfish are in power, and many of the worst inflict so much pain on everyone else. How much sorrow can we claw out of? Still, I look to the future. Like you, like many, I have grandchildren. Their future is important.
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