Love words, agonize over sentences. And pay attention to the world. — Susan Sontag.
Susan was answering a question about what writers should do, but I think her advise about attention to the world goes much further than writers. As I compose my list of resolutions for 2020 and beyond, “paying attention to the world” ranks high on my list. It is so easy, especially as we get older, to limit the things that are important to a few things that affect our daily lives. The world’s problems and concerns no longer become ours, but this attitude limits ourselves and the world’s future.
My daughter correctly tells me it is time to “pass the torch” when it comes to politics. She is correct that my generation, especially we males, have made a mess of things, and we need to turn things over to people with fresh ideas. I don’t disagree, but that doesn’t mean that people of my generation should not be paying attention or offer the wisdom we have accumulated.
A long time ago, my coaches and teachers would constantly remind us to “pay attention to the smallest of details.” Bad grammar, bad form, and wrong attitudes were important. Time hasn’t changed the importance of paying attention to the small details. My resolution list grows, but in a good way. How about you?
2020
Clearly see the changes needed.
Talk to friends and see what collectively you can do to effect change.
Little Things Matter.
Big issues need our collective wisdom, creativity and energy to be resolved.
We had the “Roaring Twenties” in the last century; let’s see how much “uproar” we can foster in this century!!!