The Arc of History Needs to Hear From You

This Tuesday, I will vote. If you are a US citizen, I urge you to vote, too. The world needs to hear your voice.

Around the world, this has been a difficult year. Global health has been challenged, values have been tested, the social fabric strained, and optimism sorely tested. Many feel battered, bruised and exhausted.

Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” I deeply believe this, and that the arc of history, aided by science and reason, bends toward progress of the human condition. Witness the historic highs in life expectancy worldwide, the lows in global poverty, and the unprecedented levels of educational achievement.

But this progress is not inevitable. We’ve been starkly reminded that progress often happens far too slowly, and that the benefits are spread much too unevenly. We’ve learned that we cannot take for granted advances in health and social justice, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, or even the basic functioning of our critical institutions.

For these reasons, the arc of history needs to hear from all of us.

On an election day, we have the power to speed the rate of progress. Our voices raised in unison do drive leaders to action. Participation in the core democratic process is a right and an honor. And it is a superpower that can change the world.

Personally, I’ve been uplifted by the high engagement of the public in this difficult year. We are more vocal than ever in support of what we each believe in, and that leads to important, if difficult, conversations.  Record numbers of Americans have already voted in this election, standing firm in the belief that we have the power to change for the better.  Whatever the outcome, I’m confident that our shared journey will soon continue its positive trajectory, and with even greater speed.

Tomorrow, when I cast my ballot, I will do so with optimism and confidence. I will raise my voice in support of the values that I hold dear and will use my vote to build a better future for my community, my country and our world.

At Wiley, our mission has been unwavering for 213 years. Wiley supports the seekers of truth and knowledge through the advancement of science and education. The arc of history moves much more swiftly – and the human condition makes more progress – when we defend these essential values.

Please raise your voice, exercise your democratic superpower, and vote.