If You are Losing Faith in Humanity Read This!

On this first day of the Hindu New Year 2079 and the first day of Ramadan many of us doubt about the future of humanity. In March 1973, a Mr. Nadeau sent a letter to E.B. White, the author of greats such as Charlotte's Web and The Trumpet of the Swan, expressing his bleak hope for humanity. E.B. White's poignant and beautiful reply now known by its original title, Wind the Clock, is copied here for those who need hope and belief in our humanity on this special day:

North Brooklin, Maine,

30 March 1973

Dear Mr. Nadeau:

As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.

Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society — things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out.

Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.

Sincerely,

E. B. White