Writing blog posts has not been at the top of my agenda lately. It’s been difficult to see beauty around me, although I know that it is there – always. However, when worry about the implosion of democracy in our southern neighbour is so intense, I feel more like throwing stones than being quiet enough to listen to them. It does not help that we Canadians are in the midst of a federal election (more political speeches!).

So between the campaign here in our country, and constant news bulletins from elsewhere, I began focusing less on issues and more on language. What are they all saying? What am I hearing and what am I not hearing? It was the latter category that caught my attention. In the whirlwind of words designed to create an impression rather than inform, some vital things are not being said – by anyone.

            Herewith eight sentences that I would like to hear our leaders say out loud and honestly: the first four are my own wish-list, and begin as ideas or emotions that I tried to translate into specific sentences, and the second four are the simple sentences that Chief Inspector Gamache of Louise Penny’s justly famous murder mysteries offers to his new recruits.

• Some deep awareness of, and even kinship with, the natural world. Gardening would count but even better is a willingness to spend time alone in the woods (without a cell phone). Maybe “I am nourished by other kinds of life on Planet Earth.”

• A recognition of mortality and a willingness to admit that death will come, often after increasing vulnerability and physical limitations. Perhaps, “After my death, I want the good that I have done to matter.”

• A capacity to experience genuine gratitude when a personal need has been met by someone else. “Thank you. I needed that.”

• An awareness of a higher power, a spiritual dimension in human existence that shows itself in a free admission of human powerlessness. Perhaps “I am not in control.”

And here are the four statements that Inspector Gamache insists will bring wisdom:

• “I don’t know. “

• “I need help.”

• “I’m sorry.”

• “I was wrong.”

I cannot remember hearing a politician speak any of those second four statements. I would be deeply impressed if I did, because it would indicate that that individual could take responsibility for messes made and did not have grandiose ideas of his/her own importance. Furthermore, such utterances would demonstrate considerable courage, not to mention humility.

I could vote for such an individual, and then pray often that she/he could survive the trials of holding office.

         

“There are four things that lead to wisdom. You ready for them?’
She nodded, wondering when the police work would begin.
“They are four sentences we learn to say, and mean.” Gamache held up his hand as a fist and raised a finger with each point. “I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong’.” (Louise Penny in Still Life)