About this publication

Stories of Hope and Inspiration to Tide over Turbulent Times

Welcome to this Substack publication! If you are like me, deeply concerned about the state of the world, and in despair at times, you will find hope-giving material here. My fears and concerns about the state of the world have risen sharply in recent times, and so I am launching this Substack publication celebrating ‘Hope’. It will provide (true and fictional) stories of hope and inspiration.

I have no illusions that all the books on the environmental crisis I have written, the countless presentations I have made, and the many workshops I have conducted have changed the world. I have probably touched the hearts of some individuals and enabled them to focus on the environmental issues of the world. I expect a similar outcome from this publication. This time, however, my canvas is wider with a focus on hope for the future, not just about the environment but the state of the world in general.

If you are in some level of despair about the world, you can draw hope in different ways:

· Understand that though the situation is bad, you do not help yourself or the world through falling into despair or depression. Do what you can without attaching importance to the outcome.

· Learn from contrarian thinkers who say that the world is getting better. It is just that you are not seeing the data. Evaluate such arguments and perhaps become hopeful.

· Read the books of techno-optimists who believe that Science and Technology will find solutions to our problems.

· Leave it to God or some higher power, who surely has a sound plan for humanity and the world. That plan is bound to be good for all beings.

· Take a long view of history. In the past, the world has gone through very dark times and emerged into positive periods. Believe that the same will happen now, even if you do not live to see it.

· Believe in the Buddhist concept of impermanence. Insight meditation or Vipassana teaches you that the phenomena around us are all impermanent. Be equanimous without cravings or aversions.

· Adopt the stoic way of life by reading the classical and modern books on Stoicism.

· Take part in small acts of courage and compassion. Together, millions of such acts can change the world.

· Be ready for tough times through adaptation and “prepping”.

· Wait for great sages and statesmen to appear and lead humanity to good times.

Over time, I will introduce such ideas and approaches to the best of my ability. You could explore them further and adopt that which suits you. But every post should give you some hope.

I plan to post at least one story every week covering:

· Types of hope such as Active Hope and Radical Hope.

· Meaningful fables, tales, legends, and stories of indigenous wisdom.

· True, hope-giving stories of:

o Ordinary people, groups, communities, and organizations, who are doing remarkable things

o Extraordinary individuals and their contributions.

o Current and past social, political, and environmental movements.

o Remarkable actions by people during cataclysmic happenings such as the Holocaust, apartheid, pandemics, dictatorships, conflicts, natural disasters, etc.

· Songs and poems of hope.

· Hope-giving principles, concepts, and ideas such as:

o Stoicism

o Buddhist concepts of impermanence and equanimity

o Nonviolence and its successes

o The Great Turning

o Common Heritage of Mankind

o Contrarian Abundance ideas (“The world is actually getting better.”)

· Great films, documentaries, podcasts, etc.

· Great literature of hope, both fiction and nonfiction.

This may be too grand a plan, but I will do it one post at a time! I will continue as long as there is a positive response from readers.

Apart from being concerned about the state of the world, you might also have personal problems about health, relationships, money, or work. You could be seeking a sense of hope that things would get better in your life. How does one remain positive and hopeful amidst trying circumstances?

From sages to self-help books, we receive many suggestions and advice for actions we can take for a peaceful life such as:

· Meditate regularly.

· Find larger meaning and purpose in your life.

· Be grateful for what you have and express your gratitude to those who did good things to you

· Look for microjoys in daily life

· Let go and surrender to a higher power

I am not competent to address personal despair or depression, but my stories may help you in small ways.

Join me from September 1, 2025, on profrr.substack.com. Hope is arriving soon!