A great piece to mull over as we head into 2025. I loved a spangle. I’m fascinated by CAT and a lover of Bowie. Here’s to optimism and hope. Happy New Year.
Many thanks Margaret. I think we can agree to disagree over the Spangles question! Yes, here's to optimism, hope and a splendid 2025. Happy New Year to you, your family (and rabbit).
"It’s a slippery slope between wishing they’d bring back Spangles to voting for Nigel Farage." Indeed, and from my 70s childhood memories Spangles were pretty vile too. I completely agree about optimism - it's a necessary form of rebellion. The opposite is sullen conformity.
An overarching analysis of what went on and why it did, from the 70 s , those essential movements which changed society . Thanks Mike! I’m a follower of optimism over apathy and cynicism, the two biggest hindrances to progress . Great read
Great read, Mike, thanks so much. Yes, we of the 70s reached out to that peak optimism but also, I would argue, we did things and read things and saw things that dented that optimism, certainly in my case. It was then I began to realise about the damage we were doing to the environment and that realisation was not about peak optimism but rather cautious optimism.
I loved your ending:
The optimism that once ignited our intellectual and political awakening endures. It drives our belief that a different, better future is still within reach. Let’s continue searching for it.
Thank you Rosalind. Was our optimism 'dented' or did it take on another character? In recognising the damage I'd suggest our idealistic optimism became adversarial optimism - recognising that for progress to be achieved then struggle/campaign would be involved. My eco-design friend in New York - Wendy Brawer - is a fine example of an adversarial optimist. I think I should probably write about her at some time soon. And glad you agree with the ending!
Thanks Mike - I like it - but then I was part of it.
Best Wishes for your Optimism Project.
Ray Massey.
BSc Society & Technology 1975-1979.
Thank you Ray!
A great piece to mull over as we head into 2025. I loved a spangle. I’m fascinated by CAT and a lover of Bowie. Here’s to optimism and hope. Happy New Year.
Many thanks Margaret. I think we can agree to disagree over the Spangles question! Yes, here's to optimism, hope and a splendid 2025. Happy New Year to you, your family (and rabbit).
Thank you
"It’s a slippery slope between wishing they’d bring back Spangles to voting for Nigel Farage." Indeed, and from my 70s childhood memories Spangles were pretty vile too. I completely agree about optimism - it's a necessary form of rebellion. The opposite is sullen conformity.
Thank you Anna.
"Optimism - it's a necessary form of rebellion" - Love it. I'll get the t-shirts run up!
An interesting read, thanks
I always appreciated Billy Bragg.
An overarching analysis of what went on and why it did, from the 70 s , those essential movements which changed society . Thanks Mike! I’m a follower of optimism over apathy and cynicism, the two biggest hindrances to progress . Great read
Thank you Prasanna, I always value your comments. Yes, those movements did indeed change things, which is something we too often lose sight of.
Great read, Mike, thanks so much. Yes, we of the 70s reached out to that peak optimism but also, I would argue, we did things and read things and saw things that dented that optimism, certainly in my case. It was then I began to realise about the damage we were doing to the environment and that realisation was not about peak optimism but rather cautious optimism.
I loved your ending:
The optimism that once ignited our intellectual and political awakening endures. It drives our belief that a different, better future is still within reach. Let’s continue searching for it.
Yes indeed.
Thank you Rosalind. Was our optimism 'dented' or did it take on another character? In recognising the damage I'd suggest our idealistic optimism became adversarial optimism - recognising that for progress to be achieved then struggle/campaign would be involved. My eco-design friend in New York - Wendy Brawer - is a fine example of an adversarial optimist. I think I should probably write about her at some time soon. And glad you agree with the ending!
Ah…those golden years before the money men realised the potential of technology much more quickly and ruthlessly than the rest of us did.
I had no idea of Machynlleth’s place in social history, such a pretty little market town! Very informative, Mike. Ta!
Thank you Mark. Yes it's an unassuming little place!