The Activist's Dilemma

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The common image of an activist tends toward radical or extreme. But I prefer to think of it as anyone who participates in society with the goal to improve our life together or solve some problem, regardless of how small of a contribution it may appear.

As I’ve gotten older, I started paying more attention to what’s actually going on in the larger world, and caring a great deal about it indeed. So what can I do? Herein lies the dilemma. For the average person, so many of the world’s problems seem insurmountable; therefore the temptation is to insulate ourselves and justify that by saying, in effect, “nothing I can do will make a difference.”

At the other extreme, are those who commit to a cause to an extent that burnout or a misguided radicalization are the risks. So the dilemma is, we can become apathetic and cynical on the one hand or an insufferable zealot on the other. But I do believe there is middle ground.

And the key to this middle ground is humility. This is a virtue that doesn’t come easily, especially given that we’re surrounded by cultural images to the contrary. By and large, the people in this local food community are activists par excellence, for their consistency of support for something that definitely improves the community. It may seem like a small contribution as individuals, but collectively it is of great value. And there are many examples in other areas of life.

From the Jewish Talmud (book of wise sayings) comes this memorable idea: Do not be daunted by the insurmountable grief of the world. Do justly now. Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.

Caroline McColloch
Chez Nous Farm
cheznousfarm@gmail.com

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