A Decisive Clarity

Merton's entry from 1961 confirms his stance against nuclear arms.  His voice is so clear and resolute, as if he is convinced that he can do something about the situation.  As I have noted before in this log, I am impressed by the sincerity and willingness of some people to dedicate their lives to helping others.  Although my own teaching profession is also considered a kind of calling or vocation, I struggle to believe that my own work makes a difference in my student's lives.  I often feel that my voice and ideas are a kind of discordant, antiquated noise that is barely discernible within the tumultuous symphony of materialist culture.  I wonder what lasting effect my work will have in my student's lives.  I have no issue, like nuclear armaments, or capitalism, or social justice that motivates so many of my colleagues and friends and heroes enjoy.  Instead, I draw my small satisfactions in silent perspectives, in words; phrases as delicate as the beauty of a young woman's face, or ephemeral as the glistening dew on a palm leaf.