"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world." — Jack Layton
Of all the parts to the recently-deceased federal NDP leader's letter to Canadians, that line is undoubtedly my favourite. It is a nonpartisan wish to the world, calling for everyone to live and think in a way that adds true value for the common good.
Unfortunately, his charisma, intellect and energy will no longer grace the walls of Parliament. Hopefully, though, his example inspires new passion in the proverbial hearts of those still in this realm.
But while his life certainly influenced many people's thinking, it is useful to recognize his death has the power to do so as well. It is a teaching moment for anyone with the ability to reflect on his or her own existence.
All things end, after all. The unfortunate passing of someone as renowned as Layton reminds us this same fate awaits us all. Of course, while the ways in which we all meet our ultimate demise will differ from person to person (as will the dates), the end result is universally the same. We are all going to die.
Sitting around the table of a local pub with Times-Herald summer worker Josh Campbell earlier this week, I delved into the topic of mortality with this most contemplative of Catholic converts. There are no hokum chitchats with Josh. He likes to get right into the deep questions.
Of course, as a devout Christian his perception of death is influenced by faith and, while it is by no means the motive behind his religious beliefs, the concept of an afterlife nonetheless is part of his general idea of reality.
I, on the other hand, do not have the privilege of spiritual faith upon which to consider my limited time on this planet. When I think of death, I do so under the assumption there is no personal god and neither heaven nor hell, nor anything else, awaits my consciousness on "the other side."
Fortunately, near the end of our second round of beers, Josh and I reached a rather satisfactory consensus on the topic. Basically, we agreed the afterlife should be considered an afterthought in the way one conducts oneself. At some point, a person must accept irresolvable mystery and get on with the task of living well.
For Josh, what is most important is how the path to salvation serves in this life, more so than the next one. His Catholic-based practice seems concerned primarily with being a kind and unselfish person, and doing so for its own sake.
That makes sense to a nonbeliever such as myself, as I wouldn't want to put my "faith" (or effort) behind anything merely motivated by the fear of some unsubstantiated, supernatural, posthumous punishment, or missing out on some improvable reward.
While I hesitate to call myself a "good person," I nonetheless think Josh and I recognize a shared belief that how we live is more important than the fact we die.
In the end, I believe our conversation was itself an example of positive action in the world, furthering the cause of inter-religious/non-religious brotherhood.
There is something very optimistic — in my opinion — about a Christian and atheist sitting conversing informally in a local bar, trying to find common ground upon which to appreciate reality.
It's an act of not only tolerating different viewpoints, but also recognizing and celebrating them as focusing on a shared truth.
When one thinks about it, why would one ever approach his or her fellow sentient beings with anything other than the intent of understanding and appreciating the other — so both can grow in the act of sharing?
It is a simple concept, and perhaps too elementary to even warrant mention in a column such as this. However, it is nonetheless something we should all remember in our daily actions and interactions.
It is also something this country's late Leader of the Opposition chose to remind his fellow citizens before departing this world for whatever does or does not await him in eternity.
Let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. Let's change the world.
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