Even in our modern world, the timeless truth of The Odyssey still shines: justice may be delayed, but it is never denied. This episode of Optimistic Beacon explores how integrity, fairness, and compassion can restore balance in a chaotic world. From Homer’s poetic justice to Gandhi’s reminder that love and truth always win, we find hope in the assurance that goodness ultimately prevails.
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Tolstoy’s king in his short story, Three Questions, is disappointed the hermit did not give him the wisdom he sought, He said, ““The King approached him, and said: “For the last time, I pray you to answer my questions, wise man.” “You have already been answered!” said the hermit, still crouching on his thin legs, and looking up at the King, who stood before him. “How answered? What do you mean?” asked the King.”
Note: How often have you been disappointed when seeking something you strongly desired? Yet, in retrospect, you look back at your disappointment and have a deep sense of gratitude that you did not get what you wanted. It took a while to realize that everything you wanted was already in front of you. In Tolstoy’s story (I encourage you to read it), the hermit explains to the king how he already had the answers to his questions. The most important time is now. The most important person is the person who is in front of you. The most important action is to do good. Tolstoy provides lessons that can guide everyone’s life.
“Hope implies that there is the possibility of a better future, according to the famed hope researcher C.R. Snyder. It shows up at the worst possible time when things are dire and difficult, but can keep us going during those hard moments. If during the difficulty, we can see the faint glimmer of something better, then hope “opens us up,” says Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher. And turn us toward something better.”
NOTE: Hope is the fuel that gets us out of bed in the morning and excited about our day. It rises from our deep believe that good triumphs over evil, things will work out well for us, and no matter the turmoil we’re surrounded in, it will end well and we will land on our feet. There are signs of hope all around us. Each time I see new life I see it as a sign of hope. Each time I witness an act of kindness, I see it as a sign of hope.
“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.” Rabindranath Tagore
Where do you want to live? That’s a question we need ourselves each day. We can live in self created space of pity and angst. We can choose to live in a world where we see goodness, possibilities, and believe that life is good and getting better. It’s our choice. I hope your choice is filled to overflowing with love, beauty, happiness, and joy.
