8.0.4.4 Shared Commitment Increases Our Hope

Version 1.1 August 2014                               (Previous Version)

As we show in Parts 3 (History), 4 (Religion) and 5 (Art, Media and Culture) all societies consciously adopt exemplary models, real and imagined, human or divine, flawed or idealised, to promote their values.

Throughout history, there are countless numbers of people, community leaders and ordinary folk, who have sacrificed themselves to discover and promote the truth, and improve the lot of themselves, their families, communities, human society and life in general.  We can look for the best aspects of the best people, use them as models for our own behaviour, and be inspired.

By choosing to continue in hope we ensure their struggles were not in vain.

Acknowledging with others on a personal basis, whether face to face or via electronic communications or social media, that we share a set of beliefs and values reinforces our commitment as well as our sense of hope.

Hope is especially required to rise out of personal despair and depression.  The commitment of family and friends can keep the spark of hope alive.  Hope is needed to drive personal growth.

Hope is also required for political action.  Effective action requires accurate analyses, defined goals, realistic strategies and practical tactics, and often some innovation. 

Action is also obviously more likely to be effective with greater participation: more hands to share the work and more minds to devise and evaluate plans, but especially more communion with like minded people strengthens our hope.