“Beyond the vision of battling races and an impoverished earth, I catch a dreaming glimpse of peace.” (Watson,1951)
This is the story of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes and his positive vision about future. Justice Holmes was a man whose roots were deep in the American tradition, a man who loved life, believed in people and had enormous faith in the future. The nation’s press often referred to him as “The greatest living American,” and Cheif Justice Taft called him “the most brilliant and learned member of the court” (Watson,1951). He had lived through half of his country’s history, and he had seen many dark hours, many periods of trial and crisis, blazing hatred and distrust but he had never lost faith in future, and now, as he grew older, that faith was stronger than ever (Watson,1951).
I could relate to this story very well as I have always been strongly optimistic in the hardest times of my life. I remember whenever I would hit rock bottom I would simply pray and say that if God gave me this problem, then he will also guide me through it and provide me with the strength required to do so. I’m a firm believer, and I believe that God is the ultimate parent of every human as he created everything and everyone so no matter what how testing times may get, he will show us the way out and teach us the lessons we need to learn. Many people talk about how the future of humanity is doomed, and there is no hope, but I don’t agree because there is so much growth happening every day. It is more about if you want to see it as half glass full or half glass empty.
Holmes once quoted Emerson, “A great perplexity hangs over us like a cloud. We mistrust every step we take. It is not that men do not wish to act; they are paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. We must think with courage” (Watson,1951). These words are so powerful and true. Uncertainty and fear can paralyze people and stop them from acting and in tough times acting with courage is the key to navigate through it. In his eighties, Justice Holmes said, “If I were dying my last words would be: Have faith and pursue the unknown” (Watson,1951). Justice Holmes has been an inspiration throughout his life and after. I’m deeply affected by his words, and they have a way renewed my faith. The world needs more leaders like him.
“We must search behind the popular discontent to find its cause. We must attack our problems with courage and with faith. We must look ahead-plan and build for a better world-blaze new trails of brotherhood and understanding.” (Watson,1951)
References
Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, Inc.