:smile:
Yes, I wouldn't feel up to writing an essay - as yet - but would love to read them.

I am pretty sure that there will be some who would relish the challenge and good- natured rivalry. It would be less aggravation and more inclusive than a Debate. The Feedback would be interesting. :cool:

If the event took place in say June 2025 - there would be plenty of time...or sooner if passion kicks in :fire:

I think it would be good for both beginners and the more experienced.
To be challenged in ways other than writing in a thread. This would give people a chance to be creative and test themselves against others. Or simply for own enjoyment.That I would love to read :sparkle:

For revision, if needed! Or if other ways are better, suggestions welcome :up:

How to Read Philosophy
https://philosophy.tamucc.edu/texts/pryor-guidelines-on-reading-philosophy

How to Write Philosophy
Includes 7 links - one pdf by the highly recommended Pryor.
https://philosophy.tamucc.edu/resources/writing

As a student, many years ago, I found Jim Pryor's Guidelines invaluable.

But I guess any TPF essay does not need to be of the academic type?
Your thoughts welcome...

Read Philosophy Essays

Essays and videos on philosophy, the history of ideas, ethics and life’s big questions

https://aeon.co/philosophy

Write a Philosophy Essay
https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/think-essay-prize

The Royal Institute of Philosophy is very pleased to announce this year’s essay competition for our journal Think.

Think is our publication designed to be fully accessible to all audiences, while still challenging its readers. The winning essay submission will be published alongside articles from leading philosophers from across the world.

We are looking for essays of no more than 1,200 words, engaging with one of the following questions*:

1. Plato suggests we are trapped in a world of shadows and only philosophical reflection can provide knowledge. Is there any truth to this view?

2. Does the existence of evil provide good evidence God does not exist?

3. Do ‘objective values’ exist?

4. Could a person migrate from one human body to another, as some movies suggest (e.g. Freaky Friday)?

5. What ethical responsibilities do we have towards future generations (e.g., creating a cleaner environment, reducing pollution)?
If you believe we don’t have these responsibilities, explain why?

6. Do we have freedom of speech? Should we?

* If you are studying Philosophy, you may want to particularly engage with questions 1, 2 or 3. However, each applicant is welcome to answer any of the six questions.

The winner will be published in an upcoming issue of Think, the shortlisted candidates will win a year’s free subscription to the journal, and other prizes will be awarded to all those who make the longlist.

Your essay submission will be assessed for academic merit and rigour. We look forward to receiving your submission via this link.

Please read the Rules of Entry below before completing the form.

The Closing Date for Submissions is Tuesday 22nd April, 2025.
***

[Perhaps too easy, only for 15-18yr olds]

Philosophy Essay Competition

https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/imagination-our-2024-philosophy-essay-prize-topic/

Each year the Royal Institute of Philosophy holds the Philosophy Essay Prize competition. The winner will receive £2,500 and their essay will be published in October 2025 issue of Philosophy.

The topic for this year’s prize is ‘Imagination’. We intend this topic to be understood broadly, so as to include related issues in any area of philosophy and from any philosophical tradition.

The submission deadline is 30 November 2024 23:59 GMT.

How cool is that! How hard can it be? :chin:

@Jamal @fdrake and Mods - is this a good idea, or not?

How about TPF having our very own annual Philosophy Competition or Activity? Who would host it? Wow! Who would judge and how ? When?

You too? :smile: :up:
We should swap student day stories. Hmmm. Then again...

Dare I ask how your story-telling is coming along?
I'm sure you could give us all guidance/lessons in 'How to Write a Short Story' :cool:
Or point the way...a Jim Pryor for literature :chin:

How to Read Philosophy
https://philosophy.tamucc.edu/texts/pryor-guidelines-on-reading-philosophy

How to Write Philosophy
Includes 7 links - one pdf by the highly recommended Pryor.
https://philosophy.tamucc.edu/resources/writing

As a student, many years ago, I found Jim Pryor's Guidelines invaluable.

Duplicate. Deleted.

This is a copy and paste from the Literary Activity Discussion. I think part of my one of my posts is worthwhile to save and keep easily accessible. In response to @L'éléphant. From: https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/94913

Philosophy is not known for its creativity. Depending on what and how it is read. However, it does use imagination and promotes analytical skills - transferable to other spheres. Like here! There is an internal dialogue and exchange of ideas. The same kind of questions can be asked, as of any story. The 5 W's and H. The Who, What, When, Where, Why - and How.

[There are many excellent resources available concerning ‘How to Read…’
Philosophy or Short Stories. The good thing about learning ‘how to read’ is that it simultaneously gives pointers as to ‘how to write’.]

How to Read Philosophy
https://www.blogs.ppls.ed.ac.uk/2017/02/28/read-philosophy-step-step-guide-confused-students/

How to Read a Short Story – like a Writer
https://paulettealden.com/how-to-read-short-stories-like-a-writer/

This absorbing and intelligent article illustrates her method by using 2 short stories.
Unfortunately, no link to them - so, I had to go hunt:

1. Proper Library - Carolyn Ferrell
https://xpressenglish.com/our-stories/proper-library/

2. Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story - Russell Banks
https://missourireview.com/article/sarah-cole-a-type-of-love-story/

Thanks for your support :up:

Thanks. At least, the Lounge and this thread is open for business.
I've given my full response in the Literary Activity thread. Where I should have posted the question in the first place. Best to use that one. Otherwise, it gets confusing...
'Weird people' :sweat: :smile:
Non so weird as those that do not know...or something :wink:

Thanks, @Jamal for response, here:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/949172

I didn't see it because I hadn't signed in. Not everybody does. So, they will not know about the Literary Activity.

Is there a reason for not making it visible? I think it would receive more attention and perhaps increase participation if you or Admin @Jamal @fdrake could change this. Why the need to sign in?

I wondered if its 'hiding' had something to do with some writers not wanting their entries to be seen as 'published'.

Related to TPF rule:
9) Entries must not be previously available online.

I think this is a standard rule in Writing Forums and magazine articles? :chin:

So, if TPF writers post here, does that mean that they have 'published'. And so cannot take the story elsewhere for appraisal?

***
The same thing goes for the Symposium category and everything listed below. Stories and the special Literary Activities. They too are not seen unless you sign in. I think that is a shame. Not everyone sees the full potential or substance of TPF - its width and openness...

Oh, there it is! Thanks :up:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/15585/literary-activity-winter-2024

Thanks, guys! :up: :flower:
I see this thread is heading fast towards the 10 page limit I set myself.
Probably best to give my brain a rest before the challenge of the December Writing Fest.
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. @Baden et al keeping us in suspense until the very last minute... :naughty:
I don't expect to submit anything but look forward to reading and giving some feedback :cool:

The tone, the flavour, the atmosphere, the focus - the very essence of the story was altered unrecognizably. — Vera Mont

Really? That's not what I read about it. If so, then yes, of course it matters.

A cat tunnel. Well, well, well. I think need the human version. Why should kittens have all the fun?

I don't know how much time teachers have nowadays to spend with individual students, even if they didn't have to fear accusations of inappropriate behaviour. Boys' clubs, interest groups, community projects and informal sports under the leadership of male role models would be more are beneficial. — Vera Mont

I didn't mean with individual students but as part of learning. The author talked of critical thinking.
I agree that there is much benefit to be gained by community projects. 'Youth clubs' and the like used to exist for young male and female adults. Also, support groups. But cut-backs...

I'm just glad I visited San Francisco in the 1980's, when it was colourful and charming, when we engaged in conversation or banter or at least commerce with many locals. — Vera Mont

Lucky you. Never been there but I imagined it as such.

I'm in one of several nearby communities where people still notice one another, hold elevators, smile at jokes in the checkout line and appreciate a compliment. — Vera Mont

Yes. Pretty much the same here. Today at the garden centre I smiled and thanked a man holding a door open for me. With the exaggerated bow and gesture of a gentleman. Eyes meeting in humour and recognition. Yup...

Your stories cheer me up. Thanks :flower:

Re: The Myth of Siayphus by A. Camus; also, section 2.5 (esp. re: Camus) of the SEP article "Hope" ... — 180 Proof

Thank you. I have read them both. Twice. Still not convinced by Camus, his assumptions and conclusions. Nor the examples of the 3 'absurd' men. I would have to read more and spend time to consider my initial response before a full, knowledgeable criticism. Not prepared to do this, right now.

To embrace the absurd implies embracing all that the unreasonable world has to offer. Without meaning in life, there is no scale of values. "What counts is not the best living but the most living."

Thus, Camus arrives at three consequences from fully acknowledging the absurd: revolt, freedom, and passion... — Wiki - The Myth of Sisyphus

Camus compares the absurdity of man's life with the situation of Sisyphus, a figure of Greek mythology who was condemned to repeat forever the same meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to see it roll down again just as it nears the top. The essay concludes, "The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy." — Wiki - The Myth of Sisyphus

I don't see any filling of a heart, male or otherwise. The myth is not about hope or courage. It was a punishment because he was stupid - how did he think he could control and chain Death? I don't imagine him happy. He does persevere but he had no choice. Courage means having a choice.

Courage (also called bravery, valour (British and Commonwealth English), or valor (American English)) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Valor is courage or bravery, especially in battle.

- Wiki.

This does not compare in any comprehensive way to human struggles and joys in the world. The stories wider, deeper and more nuanced. Hope and Courage and Love.

Same reason anyone wears "lipstick". — 180 Proof

Yes. :roll: I am aware that it is not only women that wear it. You know, as well as I do, that it is mainly related to femininity. There are as many different reasons as there are colours and shades. Red, in particular, has history and symbolism:

This classic cosmetic has long been a symbol of femininity, empowerment, and self-expression
...a symbol of resistance against societal norms and expectations. During World War II, red lipstick became a symbol of hope and defiance against the oppressive Nazi regime. Women in the resistance wore red lipstick as a form of protest and to signal their solidarity with the cause. — Medium - Red lipstick

I used it to paraphrase the old (American?) saying 'lipstick on a pig'. :kiss: — 180 Proof

Well, that goes some way to explain your use. But the saying can still be read as female superficiality to change appearance. To mask or enhance. Lipstick as a coverup. To somehow 'deny and evade' the nightmare, the 'absurd' ?

This can be interpreted as a feminisation of Hope. Somehow 'weak', not strong enough to face life or see a lack of meaning in the world. How absurd!
Camus and Sisyphus can keep on rolling. It won't get them anywhere...and it ain't courageous.
In my opinion :kiss:

Sorry, still not getting it.

'Hope' is just lipstick on a nightmare.

Why 'lipstick'? With its female connotation?

How does it - or hope - amount to a denial of whatever 'nightmare' and how does it evade 'absurdity'?

*connecting, connecting*
Ms Guardianista at your service. I won't say a word...

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/nov/16/zombie-apocalypse-dangerously-disconnected-world-rebecca-solnit

I realise that my earlier copy and paste from the Guardian was lazy.
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/947531
I'm also in danger of being seen as 'Ms Guardianista' :monkey: I know that it is better to read from a variety of sources and I have and still do. However, I only have time for one morning read and this usually provides balance with comments BTL.

I'm reading this part again and wondering...written by an anonymous High School student?

But clearly, a shift back toward traditional gender roles is resonating with them now as progression toward female empowerment threatens their already delicate self esteem.

So how do we address this, going forward? How do we ensure that young boys practice critical thinking instead of falling victim to Trump’s rhetoric with its focus on recommitting to gender stereotypes that we believed had finally been eradicated?

Parents, we urge you to be aware of this growing phenomenon and teach your children about the dangers of calculated political movements designed to further one politician’s agenda...

In fact this is an epidemic that will continue to spread rapidly until we start talking about it.

Perhaps I missed it but there seems to be a lack of interaction with the 'young boys' themselves. Either in a mixed group debate, an intervention by the teachers or informally face to face.
No interpersonal connection?

This is a one-sided view. I hope the guys are given an opportunity to speak their minds. And that there is not just a 'talking about it' but a careful listening. On all sides. Communicate.

They've discovered that collapsible tube with a window in the side. Even the big cats still play with it from time to time, but for the little guys, it's a whole playground. — Vera Mont

See bolded. What is that, pray tell?!
Your kittens have the best story...having fun. Playing around. Hope to read more soon :flower:

That nation was, in fact, not merely divisible, but divided from its very inception. Things got better, with a lot of hard work, perseverance and sacrifice. Now they're worse again. The descents are fast; destruction is much easier than construction; destruction can be carried out by an army of drunken orcs, while construction takes vision, co-operation, forbearance, patience and fortitude.
I just don't believe there is time for another long upward slog. — Vera Mont

Yes. The quick descent. I once thought of life and its changing patterns as circles. All things must pass and come around again. Now, I think of a downward spiral and I'm not sure if it will spring back...

It all started with the devil Eve, don't you know.
I think we could spend time talking about the religious separation of males and females in places of worship and education. And a whole lot of other factors - feeding into the current narrative.

I wonder if we will ever go beyond our biology as animals. The need for protecting ourselves, family and resources. Even in the midst of cooperation there is competition. So it goes. Love and War.

Where some value the female as Madonna, others vilify her, even if she is acknowledged. (weak)
Where some value the male as God, others vilify him, as Tyrant. (strong)
The truth is the human is more complex with strengths and weaknesses combined.
Most people just get on with life, because there is nothing else for it...

I keep thinking about @180 Proof's quote:

'Hope' is just lipstick on a nightmare.

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/comment/703706

It sounds clever, creative and cryptic. What does it mean? @180 Proof :chin:

I hated the cinematic version of Good Omens, perhaps even more than I normally would have, because I like David Tenant and found that over-the-top campy performance embarrassing. The book OTOH, was charming and quietly amusing. The central characters were determined mortal kids, not the supernaturals. — Vera Mont

No, Vera, just No!! I love Tennant and can't allow this :naughty:

I'm watching series 1 and up to episode 3 'Hard Times'.
The chemistry and dialogue between David Tennant and Michael Sheen - as devil and angel respectively - Wow. They are SO right in their roles - good and evil joining forces to prevent the end of the world. :fire:

As for any 'campness' - yeah, it is full on in parts. They can both vamp it up a little as they have fun.
But not so much that it detracts from the action. A combination of the best and worst human traits, with no absolute 'black and white' division. I suppose this could translate into a 'greyness' but no, we are treated to an extravaganza of vibrant colour.

The angel does stick to conventional white, from head to toe. Tennant goes wild with red hair, in varying styles. The black shades hiding his serpent eyes. But the inked snake still crawls up his neck, replacing Tennant's trademark sideburn. And then there is his snake-hipped slide-walk.

Tennant is instantly recognisable. There were moments when his languid, loucheness reminded me of Bill Nighy, another favourite. He is so channelling the spirit ! Then he struts off, rock-star style...hmmm...who is the most camp Rolling Stone?

There are quick nods to history. You need to be alert to catch some of them.
My ears pricked up at the mention of them both having business in Edinburgh.
And the crucifixion scene where the devil wonders why...

OK. Enough already...
I did listen to the book a while ago. I can't remember how different it is. But, hey, does it matter?
The visuals are so dastardly creative :halo: :cool:

Follow up:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/15/the-boys-in-our-liberal-school-are-different-now-that-trump-has-won

...the beginning of a new wave of male conservatism that was infiltrating our school. Obsession with achieving a more muscular body through excessive exercise and intense dieting fueled by ridiculous social media campaigns fell far outside the realm of healthy self-care. And the desire to socialize only with other boys stood in stark contrast to the co-ed activities we were accustomed to since childhood.

It hadn’t taken long for this focus on machismo to creep into these boys’ mindsets and conversations. Seemingly harmless disrespectful comments with witty undertones toward girls became commonplace, and feelings of traditional male dominance started to sneak back into our friend groups.

While these are just observations within our own high school, we believe that this is happening across the country. Young, well-off white boys from liberal families are being tempted by conservatism simply to protect an archaic idea of masculinity that guarantees them inherent power. It is not as if they are against abortion, or care much about the economy or immigration, or even feel remotely attracted to the rest of conservative dogma. But clearly, a shift back toward traditional gender roles is resonating with them now as progression toward female empowerment threatens their already delicate self esteem.

So how do we address this, going forward? How do we ensure that young boys practice critical thinking instead of falling victim to Trump’s rhetoric with its focus on recommitting to gender stereotypes that we believed had finally been eradicated?

Parents, we urge you to be aware of this growing phenomenon and teach your children about the dangers of calculated political movements designed to further one politician’s agenda. Until we do so, it is likely this pattern will continue. Boys in our school as young as eight are beginning to exhibit these same misogynistic tendencies that we never remember noticing when we were their age. And the most dangerous aspect of this is how little it’s talked about in mainstream media and how easily it has been overlooked in progressive communities. In fact this is an epidemic that will continue to spread rapidly until we start talking about it.

Hopepunk as a philosophy?

By telling hopepunk stories, we necessarily have to be asking questions like, “How do we care about each other in a world which so aggressively doesn’t care about so many of the people in our communities? Who do we consider community, and is that definition too narrow? How do we fight back against the people who want to make us sit down and shut up?”

By asking ourselves these questions, hopepunk expands from simple “genre” to an entire life philosophy. It sticks in the back of your head and changes you, a little bit.

There is a need for hopepunk because our president is a fascist.

Because there are children dying in concentration camps within our borders. Because Jeff Bezos makes nearly nine million dollars per hour while his warehouse employees risk homelessness. Because we think it’s normal that people should go bankrupt if they get ill and need medical assistance, or that they should get an Uber to the hospital instead of an ambulance. Because climate change is real. Because children have safety drills to practice what to do in case of an armed shooter in their school. Because racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism exist.And there is a need for hopepunk because it reminds us that these dragons can be slain. Because it reminds us that there’s power in a union, that communties banding together can make a difference. Because the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice. We’ve beaten them before, and we can beat them again, and the next time after that. The work is never finished, and the fight is never permanently won. But we keep fighting anyway, because it is the fight itself, not “winning”, that’s the point. — Den of Geek - A Hopepunk Guide - Interview with Alexandra Rowland

NB the interview took place in Nov 2019.

Terry Pratchett's Good Omens - Hopepunk?

Yes. But it wouldn't be a Gothic novel then; it would be literary fiction and I hadn't signed up for that much effort.* Even the one that I intended as a kind of spoof of historical romance turned itself into a subversive social commentary. Damn — Vera Mont

This started me wondering about genres, subgenre and how certain kinds of writing are classified. How they might limit the writer by having a need to keep to criteria. Why can't a nasty Gothic character have nice elements?

I am bemused by the 'hopepunk' sandwich. A genre/subgenre between 'grimdark' and 'noblebright'.

Initially describing a subgenre, its use has extended to refer to motivations, narrative tone, outlook. The editors of Uncanny Magazine define it as "radical empathy" and "radical kindness", contrasting it to the hopelessness of grimdark.[9] Rowland wrote that "Hopepunk isn’t pristine and spotless. Hopepunk is grubby, because that’s what happens when you fight."[10] Although they may include horrible events, injustice, and inequality, hopepunk stories have characters who choose to act, rejecting pessimism and passivity. Positive human traits and community contribute to solutions.[11
Stories in the hopepunk subgenre reject the fatalism and cynicism of grimdark. Hopepunk characters persevere, believing in the possibility of something better in the face of difficult realities.[12] Hopepunk is an approach in which characters choose to fight to make things better, and are motivated by noble motives.

Wiki has it all.

And then there is Star Trek. Jean-Luc Picard: Starfleet's Hopepunk Captain.
Does he stand as a testament to the power of hope?
https://www.startrek.com/en-un/news/jean-luc-picard-starfleets-hopepunk-captain

PS I was also rather taken by the thoughts of Ernst Bloch. Wondering about him, I searched and found:
https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/13030/ernst-bloch-and-the-philosophy-of-hope/p1

@180 Proof's
'Hope' is just lipstick on a nightmare.

They want the middle ages back, because they cannot imagine anything better than having someone to kick down at while their masters give them attaboys. — Vera Mont

May the pox be upon them in the new Golden Age of MAHA. Make America Healthy Again. Really?!

Robert F Kennedy Jr has been nominated to lead the Health and Human Services department. This man is someone who is anti-vaccinations.
If that becomes policy, it dangerous to the population and anti-choice.
So much for freedom.

I've had enough of this. Turning to hope. I find that I already explored this!
Way back when I felt up to starting threads...2 years ago. Reading it now, I feel quite amazed...

https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/13686/questions-of-hope-love-and-peace/p1

I read the SEP article again, as if for the first time. Notes:

I was surprised by Kant and his question 'For what may I hope?' as one fundamental to philosophy. The 3 objects of hope: 1. own happiness 2. moral progress 3. moral improvement of the human race.

Camus' apparent negative view of hope comes from the idea that human existence is absurd. I don't see this as having anything to do with courage. Also it is specific to religious hope for life after death or a social utopia. The image of Sisyphus is one of perseverance but to what end? And why would lack of hope for a better future make him 'happy' ? Indeed, there is a suggestion that Camus allows for a 'strange hope'. He called 'The Rebel' a book of hope.

So many definitions of hope, its role and function in analytical philosophy...

'Radical hope' (Lear) catches my eye. Where positive hope is an active response to political injustice. (It seems to tie in with literature's 'hopepunk' ? Still to be discussed.)

When it comes to climate change, some philosophers see hope as having instrumental value. It 'sustains action where the attainment of the ultimate goal - managing climate change - is uncertain.' (McKinnon 2014, Roser 2019).

But, this is where I must stop. We are in the Lounge. A place to chat about kittens. Over to you, Vera!

You've both given me much to think about :flower:
I have a few things I'd like to consider and question. Mostly, concerning hope and creativity. Later...

Before I go out, I have this article to share re global gender issues in politics. With stats:

What’s behind the global political divide between young men and women?
Trump’s victory in the US shone a light on the growing political polarisation between between young male and female voters happening all over the world

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/14/us-election-donald-trump-voters-gender-race-data

Sure, but I perceive no shortage of writers exploring the deepest, darkest crannies, describing the vilest acts in the most graphic terms. They don't need any help from me. I'm more interested in the small, everyday pleasures and pains, loyalties and betrayals, courageous and craven acts or ordinary people. Lately, I've been exploring how someone decides which side to take in a conflict. If my protagonists end up with the forces of light, I'm in no position to fault them. — Vera Mont

Hey. Steady on Vera!
I wasn't asking you to go deep, deep down into depravity or its torture chambers.
It was about you stopping at Chapter 3 because you couldn't keep your nasty character from turning nice. What's wrong with keeping complex and contradictory aspects of a character? Doesn't that make her richer with hidden depths?

Interesting to explore side-taking in conflict. How recent events can split families right down the middle.
How to heal that wound, if ever we can...

I sniff around the word 'humane' like a poodle at the corner lamp-post. — Vera Mont

Love it! :cool:

Fwiw, my conception of courage sans hope is primarily indebted to Aristotle, Spinoza & Camus (as well as e.g. Laozi, Epicurus, Epictetus, P. Zapffe, S. Beckett, C. Rosset, A. Murray ... who aren't mentioned in the article) and grounded in lived experience. — 180 Proof

Yes, I do appreciate that, thanks.
However, I don't have a full understanding of this and what it means for you. This conception of 'courage sans hope'. For those, like me, with limited time, energy and resources and not quite so invested in philosophical concepts, there is always wiki. From the mythology section on 'Hope':

From ancient times, people have recognized that a spirit of hope had the power to heal afflictions and helps them bear times of great suffering, illnesses, disasters, loss, and pain caused by the malevolent spirits and events.[48] In Hesiod's Works and Days, the personification of hope is named Elpis.

Norse mythology however considered Hope (Vön) to be the slobber dripping from the mouth of Fenris Wolf:[49] their concept of courage rated most highly a cheerful bravery in the absence of hope.[50 — Wiki - Hope

How does your conception of courage/hope compare with a Norse warrior?
Care to tell your story, or part of it? Sans salivating :wink:

My experience probably leans more to 'hope sans courage'.

I have hope and it asks nothing of or from me. It's just there. Along with love. I also 'hope that...X, Y or Z'.
Generally, it is a hope for better wellbeing. For individuals and other beings in the world.

I may have courage in dealing with challenging health issues and services. My own and others. But I think it always stems from or coexists with hope. There is hope, along with a sense of perspective.
A case of 'Hope for the best, prepare for the worse'. Or 'plan for the worse, hope for the best'.
A mix of optimism and being realistic.

***

In previous posts, I've mentioned Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope' and how I was drawn to it.
It's interesting to consider her religious school curriculum where:

religious questions were examined and the state of the students’ faith assessed. The young women were divided into three categories: those who were “established Christians,” those who “expressed hope,” and those who were “without hope.”

Much has been made of Emily’s place in this latter category and of the widely circulated story that she was the only member of that group. Years later fellow student Clara Newman Turner remembered the moment when Mary Lyon “asked all those who wanted to be Christians to rise.” Emily remained seated. No one else did. Turner reports Emily’s comment to her: “‘They thought it queer I didn’t rise’—adding with a twinkle in her eye, ‘I thought a lie would be queerer.’ — Poetry Foundation - Emily Dickinson

Here is her poem: “Hope” is the thing with feathers. Read by Claire Danes and signed by Rachel, age 9.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/video/77372/hope-is-the-thing-with-feathers

***

In today's situation, I think that people such as yourself committed to a cause and willing to show up and fight for it have courage and also hope. Hope for a better future. Hope to persuade others.
Showing how Democratic values are different, better than those of hard-right Republicans.

It will need more of this hope and courage in the days to come.

Courage, mon ami :strong: :pray:

Here we go. The Guardian is taking it on :fire:

In addition to withdrawing from Musk's X, a reporter questions Project 2025.

Kevin Roberts, the head of the influential rightwing thinktank the Heritage Foundation, told a Guardian reporter to “go to hell” at the launch of Roberts’s new book on Tuesday night, then threw the reporter out of the venue, apparently in response to reporting on the organization.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/13/kevin-roberts-project-2025-book-events

No more invites, then? Pretty much what happened on the Tory watch with Channel 4 news blocked.
The hard right can't stand the light. No scrutiny allowed. So much for freedom.

...on one side we have optimism, humourlessness, and inhumanity--a lack of attention to real people and real experience--and on the other side we have hope and humour, where humour is often if not always built on an attention to misfortune. — Jamal

That's given me plenty to consider. My first reaction is that I don't care for the either/or scenario. Optimism includes hopefulness. But yes, I agree that some can minimise the bad stuff. To the extent that can be 'toxic' I have yet to explore.

I tend to go with hope and see it as a motivating force. To bring about change. And with that comes courage and creativity. A positive way forward. It can come from misfortune or simply wanting something better. It is a noun, a verb and a philosophical concept. Is optimism more of a psychological state or personality type? A few more P's added to the list.
From positive psychology: https://positivepsychology.com/learned-optimism/

Humour and a lack of it can travel alongside both, no?
Black humour. Is there such a thing as 'white humour'?

Excellent News.

The Guardian said content on the platform about which it had longstanding concerns included far-right conspiracy theories and racism. It added that the site’s coverage of the US presidential election had crystallised its decision.

“This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism,” it said.

It added: “The US presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse.” — Guardian - No longer posts on Elon Musk's X

I tend to be wary about what I write. Maybe too much, and maybe it wasn't a big deal. — javi2541997

I think we can all be wary about what we write - sometimes editing what we really think or feel.
And that's fair enough. It's good to be thoughtful and consider how we present our views to others. I too have deleted some posts. Regretting either the quality or quantity - my tone or whatever.

However, your thoughts stimulated without need for further elaboration. Imagining a 'what if' scenario :up: You are that Creative :fire:

I think that some of the things discussed about creativity are pertinent. To well-being.
The fear of making mistakes can block us. And that is where some education systems let us down.

Where mistakes are punished. And different kinds of intelligence are not explored or given free rein. There is a richness in imagination. A real gift if used wisely. To educate the whole being.

Hope
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hope/

If I were a teacher of language, I would ask my students to write a poem each Friday. Doesn't matter the topic or type. Just to power up their creativity. I think it would be interesting to see if their imagination grows in the following weeks. — javi2541997

Hmm, yeah. I don't know. I understand what the aim is and applaud it.
But, for me, it sounds too prescriptive with the teacher still controlling. This is what we will do and this is when we will do it. Don't you think that creativity should start the day. Sparking the way forward.
Brighter and better learning in all subjects...listening and asking questions, all the better to know.

Once upon a time...the day started with 'Assembly'. At secondary school, it was compulsory to bring your New Testament along! This had been given to everyone on their first day.
( I often 'forgot' mine, and hurried in, head down, clutching my pocket French dictionary)

Language learning was for the most part rote. Not so much conversation but grammar.
Declensions an' all that. And what is it about labelling nouns and accompanying adjectives as female, male and neuter! Jeez :roll:

Edit: @javi2541997 - I see you have deleted your post. Why?

Writing creatively. For TPF Literature Event - or anywhere...

Sometimes it's all in the style, tone, or approach, rather than the theme. The theme can be serious or dark while the tone is light, playful, or optimistic. As a reader it's not themes I find life-affirming and intellectually or emotionally energizing; rather it's in the creativity itself. Sometimes it's obvious that the writer is having fun even when writing a tragedy.
— Jamal

There's a deeper layer here too. Optimism is in a sense inhumane (it's hope that is humane), and there is no humour in success and contentedness — Jamal

For good or ill, I can't do that. I get too involved in the story. I can't be jolly about a character I intend to kill off. I tried to write a Gothic once and everyone in it turned nice by Chapter 3, so I had to throw it away and start another project. — Vera Mont

I think it is possible to have fun with characters and situations, even where there is darkness.
Isn't there a need to explore all aspects of humans and their place in whatever worlds they find themselves in? The senses and spectrum of feelings, thoughts and actions. The contrasts.

Why would humour not exist in 'success and contentedness'?
Why would a writer need to feel 'jolly' about a character she meant to kill off?
Why is there a wish to kill? Who or what is being murdered? Deeper exploration of both dark and light?

How can 'optimism' be 'inhumane'?
How can 'hope' be 'humane'?

Here is a wonderful article about Creativity covering many aspects, including the philosophical ambivalence towards Hope. The different takes on the Pandora Myth.

Nietzsche's interpretation of the Pandora myth recalls Arthur Schopenhauer's descriptions of hope as "a folly of the heart". For him, hope is a delusion. In his essay Psychological Remarks (1851), he notes that the emotion "deranges the intellect's appreciation of probability" so that we neglect the likely outcomes of events, even when the odds are stacked against us. "A hopeless misfortune is like a quick death blow, whilst a hope that is always frustrated and constantly revived resembles a kind of slow death by prolonged torture."

[I can't remember if it was here, or somewhere else, that I came across the term 'toxic hope'.
I think it related to people being, or perceived as, over bright and 'jolly' - ? like Harris - irritating others, perhaps in a more depressed or angry state...perhaps I just made that up! And it was 'toxic positivity'? ]

The article is where I found the TED talk linked earlier.
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210105-why-being-creative-is-good-for-you

And scrolling down, there is this:
In these times of cynicism and despair, is 'hopepunk' the perfect antidote? David Robson explores radical optimism, and why it matters.

But what could describe literature that instead focuses on our capacity for good? "The opposite of grimdark is hopepunk...defined as "a literary and artistic movement that celebrates the pursuit of positive aims in the face of adversity".

:up: :up:

It might take the creatives to do this.
— Amity

I think that they play an important role. We are not so easily moved by statistics and theories. We are emotional beings. But this can be manipulated in different directions. Compassion, but also fear and hatred. — Fooloso4

Yes. There are 'creatives' everywhere. Some create deliberate chaos and bring mayhem to the world.
As you say, by manipulating what people see as 'real' and messing with their emotions.
Multi-messaging, sowing seeds of hatred, fear and confusion. The underlying values or aims are not those of compassion or care for all but to enrich themselves financially and gain prestigious power. High wealth and influence - being 'winners' their core concern.

They create division and hierarchies where they are top dog. Dogs of war.
The phrase spoken by Mark Antony in Act 3, Scene 1, line 273 of English playwright William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar: "Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war." So it goes.

It was ever thus. Men at war. Men loving war, aggression, taking and raping. And so on.
To take control of the world, the moon and everything. Or so the story goes.

But do we have to follow this narrative? Can't other 'creatives' change the story? Our ways of thinking of reacting? Of doing politics?

Where to begin? Well...at the beginning.
Perhaps with children who are our future. A change in education systems.

Not that I know about current education and its aims, either here, America or elsewhere. I do know that education especially for girls is seen as a threat and not allowed in the less civilised parts of the world.

Here is a man, a 'Sir' even, with ideas. Explaining intelligence and creativity with humour and stories. To re-think our conceptions. To enlarge and enrich human capacity. He has fun with university professors!