It’s not the loudest voice that moves people — it’s the one that keeps showing up. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
| Hi John, I hope my last email got you thinking a little more about activism. The whole point was to help you see that, in many different ways, you are an activist too. Now that we’ve covered that, I’d love to start talking about how we can put those traits into action — it’s all about doing. And together? We absolutely can. Let’s start with two powerful concepts that go hand-in-hand: Courage and a United Vision. COURAGE Having courage can be scary for most of us. When we feel like we’re standing with the minority, it’s intimidating to stand against the majority — I know that feeling all too well. People often call me brave, but I don’t feel brave. I feel nervous. Even afraid. But maybe courage isn’t a feeling — maybe it’s an action. It’s not about being a martyr or having the loudest voice. "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." — Mary Anne Radmacher Courage is something you learn. Taking the first step is the most terrifying part, but once you prove to yourself you can do it once — what’s stopping you from doing it again? Don’t stop yourself. Someone once said, “Courage is fear getting back in the saddle.” I can do that. So can you.
Posting my cartoons sometimes scares me. I know they’ll provoke backlash. But I feel compelled to speak truth to power. So I click “post” and wait — anxious, but resolute.
Maybe that’s courage. Authoritarian regimes often target artists, poets, journalists, intellectuals, and activists because creativity is defiant. It refuses to be co-opted by power. That’s why they try to silence us. I’ve seen activists metaphorically stoned and silenced. But that’s the cost of speaking truth to power. There’s also an element of forgiveness linked to courage. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” — Mahatma Gandhi It takes courage to forgive. We have been wronged — and the difficult reality is that we will continue to be wronged — but it takes courage to forgive those who hurt us. Caring takes courage. And we need courage now more than ever. |
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UNITED VISION Courage is made easier when we’re not alone — when we’re part of a united vision. Even when you feel alone, there are others who feel exactly the same way. So in other words, you are not alone! World-changers share a unitive vision. They see humanity as deeply interconnected and believe in dignity and justice for all. Even when activists focus on a specific cause, their ultimate goal is universal freedom. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Greta Thunberg — each fought for something bigger than themselves. I found it fascinating to read how the more universal a person’s vision became, the more likely they were to be assassinated. That should tell us something: the impulse for unity is the battle we must keep fighting for. Freedom for some isn’t freedom at all. Until everyone is free, no one is truly free. The idea of “safety in numbers” holds some real truth — whether metaphorically or physically. Humans are wired for connection, for belonging. Knowing you’re not alone? I can’t emphasize how much that matters. |
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Love Everybody This cartoon celebrates that love is greater than difference. No matter your age, race, gender identity, or class, you fit into this love heart. Every day is a new opportunity to love the people around you - and don't forget to love yourself as well! A Final Thought We’ve explored some really meaningful concepts today. I wanted to break this series into bite-sized pieces, because I believe each point deserves its own spotlight. No extra frills — keeping it real, as always, my friend. I hope you know that you aren’t alone and that this has sparked a glimmer of courage within you. If we all use our voices — in one way or another — we will be heard. It’s you and me, together. Much love always, David P.S. Keep the courage flowing and send this to someone you think needs to see but most importantly hear this discussion. The more people we gather, the stronger we all are! |
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