Bell Tower Photos

Views from atop one of my city's most prominent bell towers.

Exploring Idealism

The following excerpt from the Foreign Service Journal is beautiful worded, written by former Peace Corps volunteer turned Foreign Service officer Erik J. Schnotala:

Every time I hear the phrase “transformational
diplomacy,” I cannot help thinking of my former Peace
Corps colleagues, who taught me to recognize two distinct
types of idealism, a lesson I’ve carried with me
into the Foreign Service.

First, there is the naïve sort of idealism, the kind
that people often associate with Peace Corps
Volunteers. This variety expects the best from people
but needs the adulation of others to sustain itself, so it
seldom lasts long. And when the world doesn’t change
overnight, these idealists are disillusioned — as happened
to many volunteers in my former host county.

The second kind of idealism is more enduring
because it understands human shortcomings and does
not expect too much from people. It is hardened by
real-life experiences and knows that partnerships take
time to develop. This kind of idealism still dares to
make the world a better place, but it has a longer horizon
and is not expecting praise or even tangible results
along the way. It sustains itself with nothing more than
a belief in its mission and unshakeable perseverance.

Mother Teresa's Oath

I found Mother Teresa's oath at her memorial house in Skopje this week, the city of her childhood. It spoke to me, and reflects the selflessness I am learning it takes to truly give to others...

Man is unreasonable, illogical and selfish

It doesn't matter - love him.

If you do good, they'll say you're selfish.
It doesn't matter - do good.

If you realize your goals,
You'll find false friends and just enemies
It doesn't matter - realize your goals.

The good that you do will be forgotten tomorrow
It doesn't matter - be true.

Honesty and sincerity will make you vulnerable
It doesn't matter - create.

If you help people it might be bad for you
It doesn't matter - help them.

You give the best you can to the world
The world repays you with punches
It doesn't matter - give the best you can.