Question: Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic
Warren: Well Rick would say I’m a pessimist. I would say I’m a realist. I think there’s a great distinction between pessimism and realism. I think that, again, in very much the same way I see a lot of things, I think left to ourselves we are making a mess of things. I think that when people, especially the faith community, comes to the table and says, “We have a responsibility for these global issues. These are not things we can leave to politicians. These are not things that we can just let businesses deal with, but these are things that we must become engaged with.” Then I think that we can make a significant difference in every one of those things – in poverty, in disease, literacy, corruption – the things that really tear at the fabric of our lives. So I’m optimistic because I see more and more people looking at it through that lens. And I think as we do that, we can . . . we literally can change the world.
Recorded on: 12/11/07
Discuss
Timothy Monicken on January 18, 2008, 5:48 PM
As an addendum and perhaps to further the 'reality check' of the 'realist' in us all, I ask this question: Just HOW "open-minded" (or bent on "bridging the gap") are the various "ecumenical" types "out there;" whereby, they really seek to actually create common ground that will build to a new day in human peace & goodwill(?)…
There is so much canonized cultural entrenchment to overcome… so much individual bias that must be, at very least, suspended, if people are to "come together" in a spirit of peacemaking. I can't help but question the sincerity of these people who wish to break bread with those whom they'd otherwise deem as "infidels," "heretics," "heathens," or "apostate unbelievers bound for Hell's gates." And just how fervent are the numbers who want to create these bridges? One thing is for sure, religious extremists are getting more press and "airtime" in the news. 'Conflict' seems to sell more newspapers. Do ya catch my drift here? Sorry, I'm just being realistic.
My biggest fear is the the larger percentage are "grand standers," and simply love the attention. How many are truly willing to "walk the walk???" Perhaps I've met too many "born-agains," who cry out loudly to their Lord during Sunday's/ Saturday's Prayer Meeting, but come Monday, we can see them willing to put all sorts of unethical business practices into motion. We may always hope though… as that alone is the last bastion before the final blows. I hope we don't get side-tracked by the "well-meaning" Unitarians… anesthetized by the high-minded evangelicals.>> Let's just keep it down to the brass tacks of Maslow's hierarchy, an incontrovertible list of inalienable human rights (standards & measures), and a generalized moral backdrop gleaned from the common ground SHARED by the world's major religions. By the time the world religions come to a consensus, all could go to hell in a handbasket!
Timothy Monicken on January 18, 2008, 10:48 PM
As an addendum and perhaps to further the ‘reality check’ of the ‘realist’ in us all, I ask this question: Just HOW “open-minded” (or bent on “bridging the gap”) are the various “ecumenical” types “out there;” whereby, they really seek to actually create common ground that will build to a new day in human peace & goodwill(?)…
There is so much canonized cultural entrenchment to overcome… so much individual bias that must be, at very least, suspended, if people are to “come together” in a spirit of peacemaking. I can’t help but question the sincerity of these people who wish to break bread with those whom they’d otherwise deem as “infidels,” “heretics,” “heathens,” or “apostate unbelievers bound for Hell’s gates.” And just how fervent are the numbers who want to create these bridges? One thing is for sure, religious extremists are getting more press and “airtime” in the news. ‘Conflict’ seems to sell more newspapers. Do ya catch my drift here? Sorry, I’m just being realistic.
My biggest fear is the the larger percentage are “grand standers,” and simply love the attention. How many are truly willing to “walk the walk???” Perhaps I’ve met too many “born-agains,” who cry out loudly to their Lord during Sunday’s/ Saturday’s Prayer Meeting, but come Monday, we can see them willing to put all sorts of unethical business practices into motion. We may always hope though… as that alone is the last bastion before the final blows. I hope we don’t get side-tracked by the “well-meaning” Unitarians… anesthetized by the high-minded evangelicals.>> Let’s just keep it down to the brass tacks of Maslow’s hierarchy, an incontrovertible list of inalienable human rights (standards & measures), and a generalized moral backdrop gleaned from the common ground SHARED by the world’s major religions. By the time the world religions come to a consensus, all could go to hell in a handbasket!
Mario Kossatz on January 19, 2008, 12:22 PM
Focus. There are so many side issues, we must obtain consensus and tackle the root issues. Yes, realism rather than pessimism but also rather than optimism. Pete Petersen addresses one of these key issues in his contribution in "Business & Economics": it is the "here and now" syndrome with little regard for the future. We are not investing in the future, we are investing in our non-future. Big Think as a contemporary Club of Rome. Here and now for the future.
Mario Kossatz on January 19, 2008, 5:22 PM
Focus. There are so many side issues, we must obtain consensus and tackle the root issues. Yes, realism rather than pessimism but also rather than optimism. Pete Petersen addresses one of these key issues in his contribution in “Business & Economics”: it is the “here and now” syndrome with little regard for the future. We are not investing in the future, we are investing in our non-future. Big Think as a contemporary Club of Rome. Here and now for the future.
Melissa Reed on January 23, 2008, 11:15 AM
I must agree.
Melissa Reed on January 23, 2008, 4:15 PM
I must agree.
Afaun Mandol on January 27, 2008, 8:08 AM
When interfaith groups can work together using their common values as a guide – we will make the society a better place.
Afaun Mandol on January 27, 2008, 1:08 PM
When interfaith groups can work together using their common values as a guide – we will make the society a better place.
Jen Something on February 14, 2008, 2:19 PM
I blame the media!!!
THEY LIE AND MANIPULATE THE TRUTH.
With all this deception a feel good attitude will act as an opiate for a moment in time. To fix it we must return to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Trust is a huge issue in America today. It is not only at home but a global truth.
900 LIES …. and you suggest, just smile?
Jen Something on February 14, 2008, 7:19 PM
I blame the media!!!
THEY LIE AND MANIPULATE THE TRUTH.
With all this deception a feel good attitude will act as an opiate for a moment in time. To fix it we must return to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Trust is a huge issue in America today. It is not only at home but a global truth.
900 LIES …. and you suggest, just smile?
TRINA ELLA on January 28, 2009, 5:30 AM
We have to many choices to make…good ones…First, we can start turning off the TV (I agree 100 channels full of trash, except for the food network.) Do something positive for our community, from picking up a trash, stop paying for over price items to volunteering. You only need to take one step and hopefully collectively more will follow.
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