Questioning Hope

Hope can feel paradoxical in a situation where evidence points toward inevitable disaster. The author proposes a unique perspective on hope that doesn't hinge on optimism about outcomes but on doing what aligns with our values. Hope, then, becomes a commitment to engage in right action independently of the guarantee of success.

The challenge lies in reconciling this form of hope with the scale of the climate crisis. Engaging in activities like reducing personal carbon footprints or advocating for policy changes can seem trivial when set against the backdrop of immense environmental changes. However, these actions embody the essence of doing what one feels is right and necessary, which is worth pursuing despite the outcomes.

Nature's Instruction

The author discusses the teachings of Wendell Berry and the idea that our obligation is to do what the earth requires of us for its continuation and our own. This section investigates the concept that our actions should be less about the assurance of success and more about fulfilling our responsibilities towards earth and future generations.

This notion is particularly relevant in environmental activism, where the objective isn't merely to achieve a specific outcome but to perpetuate a cycle of responsible stewardship for the planet. It tends towards a kind of ecological duty that persists beyond the prospects of triumph or failure.

Humanity's Roll Call

What's worth doing must be considered in the context of humanity's existence on Earth. Even as environmental challenges forecast a difficult future, we can find purpose in contributing to the survival and wellbeing of humanity. From this point of view, each decision and act of conservation or kindness is a step towards nurturing a world that future generations can inherit and cherish.

In this light, the focus diverts from the grand scheme of "saving the world" to the tangible, individual acts that collectively contribute to the preservation and betterment of human life. It's an acknowledgment that while we cannot save the world single-handedly, we can each make a difference that, combined, has a profound impact.

The Testimony of the Living World

Ultimately, deciding what is still worth doing comes back to the natural world itself. The living world, with its complex systems, inherent value, and the intricate web of life, stands as a testament to the need for our protection and care. Recognizing the intrinsic worth of the natural environment reinforces the belief that our actions towards its preservation are meaningful and necessary.

By bearing witness to the life around us, we are reminded of the sanctity of the world we are working to protect. In this connection with the living world, we discover a compass that guides our endeavors, irrespective of the likelihood of triumph. It suggests that what is worth doing derives its significance from the reverence and care we extend to the world, highlighting our responsibility as inhabitants and stewards of this planet.

Legacies of Action and Hope

Closing the discussion, the author reflects on the legacy of actions taken in the spirit of hope. It's about considering what mark we want to leave on the world and what message we want to send to the future about the values and virtues we upheld. It involves a commitment to living in a manner that future generations can look back on with gratitude, recognizing the efforts made to safeguard their world.

This perspective on leaving a legacy shifts the conversation from hope as a passive wish for a better future to hope as an active pursuit of creating that future through our actions. It's an appeal to live in a way that honors both the earth and the inheritors of tomorrow, instilling a sense of duty that transcends the uncertainty of outcomes, ultimately arguing that the pursuit of hope, embodied in our actions, is what is truly worth doing.