Shareables - Hope & Optimism #3

This week's stories: betting on the future for children, philosophies of mutual respect, and saving blue whale habitats [View this email in your browser]( Hi friends, As usual, time continues to move on with or without us. The past few days certainly had no shortage of impactful events, including the death of the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. However, in reflecting on the lasting impact of her reign, it’s undeniable that the world continues to progress forward, giving us a powerful case for optimism in a better future. We’ve come across some great reads below - let’s dive into it! If it's your first time reading or a friend sent this to you, you can [subscribe here](. [(1) An “obligation” to bet on the future]( Recently, we came across a powerful piece written nearly 17 years ago on why we have an ‘obligation’ to bet on the future, particularly if we have children. While the author may not have written the piece with the intent of trying to predict the future, many of these disasters manifested, from predictable storms, to floods, to the less predictable viral pandemic. Despite this, humans continue to persevere. Our continued existence today is proof of our resilience. Seeing all of this, it can even be considered a moral failure to allow the children and youth of today to fall into a despair that sees the permanent darkness end of the tunnel. Nothing can be more disheartening than a child, whether our own or someone else’s, believing “this is the end.” [Therefore, if only for their sake, let’s choose optimism.]( There’s sufficient evidence to argue both sides of the coin, but if it’s all the same to ourselves, then why not lean towards the brighter side? [(Full essay)]( [(2) Mikhail Gorbachev’s legacy for humankind, a philosophy emphasizing mutual respect]( Mikhail Gorbachev’s “new thinking” foreign policy not only created the first nuclear arms reduction treaty but also contributed to ending the Cold War, reuniting Germany, and readmitting Germany into NATO. Gorbachev believed that in a world plagued by nuclear weapons, humankind’s survival could only be ensured by solving the root causes of war and eliminating all nuclear weapons. Because of this, Gorbachev, President Reagan, and President Bush were able to reach alignment on their goals and guarantee a 30-year nuclear treaty before it was undone by the Trump administration. When Vladimir Putin moved against Ukraine this year in February, Gorbachev’s foundation issued a call for peace, saying “[There is nothing more precious in the world than human lives](. Negotiations and dialogue based on mutual respect and recognition of interests are the only possible way to resolve the most acute contradictions and problems.” Gorbachev passed away on August 30th, 2022 at the age of 91. His legacy will continue serve as a guide for humankind in the years to come, and we’re optimistic that his focus on “mutual respect,” “dialogue and cooperation”, and “demilitarization of political thinking” will continue to spread and act as a peaceful and positive influence for the world. [(Full article)]( via Ben Phillips/Pexels [(3) World's largest container line is rerouting its fleet to avoid collisions with endangered blue whales]( MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s largest container line with a fleet capable of carrying 4.3 million 20-foot containers, will be shifting their Sri Lankan routes approximately 15 nautical miles south from their previous route. This action was taken after scientists and key actors in maritime sector, including the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), recommended the adjustment in order to [reduce the high risk of collisions in an area that blue whales frequently congregate](. Although blue whale hunting is prohibited, the species continues to be at risk due to reductions in its primary food source, krill. It’s very assuring to see organizations around the world voluntarily prioritize natural ecosystems over capitalist objectives and gives us faith in humankind's ability to restore the world to better conditions. We’re hopeful and optimistic that MSC’s actions will serve as a catalyst to motivate other shipping carriers and the Sri Lankan government to prioritize the protection of blue whale habitats by taking the necessary precautions. [(Full article)]( "It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” - Queen Elizabeth II Thanks for reading! [:heart:][:wave:] See you in a few days for another happy start to the week! [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [About Shareably Media]( [Email](mailto:newsletter@shareably.net) If you enjoyed today's newsletter, share it with someone by clicking one of the buttons below! [Share]( [Share]( [Tweet]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [Forward]( Have feedback? Email us at newsletter@shareably.net! Did a friend forward this to you? [Subscribe here]( Want to advertise with us? Reach out using [this form here](. Copyright © 2022 Shareably Media, LLC, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at one of our websites. 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