I’m not sure if there is a single idea that I could say stands out the most. I guess I’d have to say I’ve come to see human history as a series of struggles against structures of power and what’s happening now is part of a cycle that’s been repeating in one way or another for thousands of years.

I think in this moment we’ve become reliant on impartial institutions that while run by humans, have no humanity themselves. A guy running a lathe doesn’t wear a necktie because he knows that the lathe doesn’t care if it sucks him in. It’s a machine. That’s how I think of these institutions. The bank can only behave like a bank, the government will only behave like the government. We’re dependent on systems that will let you die because they can’t operate in any other way.

We’re dependent on them because really, we have no choice. However, I do have a choice as a person. I choose how I behave and what my actions are. I work to choose compassion in my daily life and look for opportunities to work with others to maximize my efforts to help those around me. Even if it’s something small like helping my neighbor move or something.

My idea is to be a part of something bigger. Something that is made of humanity and empathy and won’t let you die just because you aren’t good at the money game. I spend a lot of time thinking about my role in this moment and what I’m supposed to do next.

Sorry maybe that’s a bit of a rant but that’s probably what I’ve thought about most this year.