That Pesky Problem: Can You Save The World?

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5 Responses

  1. J.Meese says:

    We just saw The Bridge this weekend. There were many lessons similar to your comments. A college kid got caught on the wrong side of the Berlin Wall as it was being erected and thought his status as an American would “make it all right.” So many Americans get caught up in things they don’t understand because they have a notion they can save the world. Recommend the movie, by the way.
    JM

    • Beth says:

      Thanks JM. Will do, That movie is on my list. We do hear too many times how sheltered Americans go abroad and falsely assume they will be safe or protected because of US law. That points out a sad and compelling truth: our educational system is failing these people. Even a small grasp of History, Sociology and Political Science would inoculate them against that false idea when they travel. Then again, maybe not. Wisdom comes from bad experiences usually. And I’ve always said that people in their 20’s think they are immortal and bulletproof. We seem to wake up around age 28, or at least I did.
      Beth

  2. K.A. says:

    This is a good post. Thanks Beth. Here’s a quote that helps me remember what I *can do*:
    “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” – Edward Everett

  3. VonBaron says:

    I agree with your blog Beth on all points. Most people don’t want to be saved and saving someone else implies that we somehow have the answers for other people when in most cases we only have the answers that would work for us. The only exception to this I would say would be young children. For most of my professional life, I have dedicated my time and energy to caring for, education and advocating for children. They are our world’s future and many times, they do need us to save them.

    I also wanted to share that dealing with people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, we also cannot “save” them as many people naive to the dynamics of addiction think they can. Just some thoughts to share. Thanks again for keeping me in the loop and on the list. You are doing great work Beth! —Von

  4. Sam says:

    You’re so right Beth! I know millenials who think that too. You know, sing Kum by ya and hold hands. They get rude awakenings whe they go overseas and find out they aren’t so smart after all. It isn’t just the US though. Remember during the congolese uprising when thos Italian missionaries flew in with provisions and were cannibalized? That is my first memory of realizing what you are saying here. Some ppl really cannot be saved.
    Sam

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