I spend each morning trying, and horribly failing, to avoid politics. It seems as though on every channel, every website, every social media account, someone is talking about the presidential race. In truth, I'm twenty years old and at moments, I find myself struggling to find an answer to what makes this world great, because it certainly isn't politics. There seems to be a never ending list of school shootings, social injustices, and instances of extreme hatred between the United States' two dominant political parties. Obviously, a winning combination. Yet, despite all the evil in the world, I often remind myself to be grateful for all the imperfect people who commit perfect acts of generosity.
Recently, a librarian, Richard Morin, who had spent his life working at the University of New Hampshire donated his life savings of about $4 million to the school to use however they please. He saved money throughout his life by living inexpensively but joyfully, and when his life came to an end, he sought to provide a source of hope to a school he loved. I am astounded by his generosity and could only dream of acting so selflessly. However, when I hear how the money was to be used*, I gagged.
In this world, the greed of the many seems to outweigh the selflessness of the few. As kids, we grew up believing that if you were generous and kind, the world would smile back at you. However, I've learned that this motto doesn't ring true the way it once did, and that every act of generosity comes with a string attached. Society seems to worry less about seeking generosity, like that of Richard Morin, and pursues the mentality of, "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." We do not give simply to be kind, but instead to be perceived as nice and kind by all our peers. A rather perfect example actually falls in the lap of the presidential election. We spend an entire year, perhaps longer, searching for the "right" candidate to represent a country we all desire to see thrive. These candidates, quite frankly, bloviate, every single day. They make empty promises and speak at length of their desire to see this country succeed, which it will do under their supervision.
Each cycle, the candidates choose to release their tax return forms, partly to prove they correctly did their taxes and the other to prove that despite a hefty income, they donated a large portion of it to charity. Being charitable is no longer done simply by the good of our hearts, but instead a bragging point, a way to say that they are the right choice for this country simply because they have dutifully donated money to help the less fortunate.
Personally, I would much prefer a candidate like Richard Morin to lead our country. Instead of donating large sums of money to charity and then bragging about it, donate time or money quietly. Allow yourself to help others simply because you want to, not because you desire to be seen doing so. There are so many veterans, LGBTQ+ youth, young mothers, and those suffering from mental illness that walk the streets all across the world, people who could simply use a smile or a helping hand. Those who are struggling right now seek kindness and true generosity from a leader who will show politicians the beating heart of America.
As you watch the news this week, whether by choice or because it keeps persistently popping up on your newsfeed, think about people like Richard Morin. In a chaotic, selfish world, sometimes a reminder that there are kind people out there is enough to get through the day. Perhaps one day we will have a country who prioritizes real generosity over a thousand "likes" but for now, think to yourself what you can do to make a difference, without the agenda.
*(read the full story here: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/15/494134464/-1-million-of-frugal-librarians-bequest-to-n-h-school-goes-to-football-scoreboar http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/09/15/494134464/-1-million-of-frugal-librarians-bequest-to-n-h-school-goes-to-football-scoreboar)
