My biggest takeaway from the reading and the podcast is that little things matter more than we think they do, because if everyone takes care of the little details in their world, the cumulative affect can be massive. As Zinn illustrates with examples such as the movements against the Vietnam War and for civil rights, that the people and structures in power are “in fact quite vulnerable” (Zinn 64). Nothing is set in stone the way we assume it is. If I make the choice, for example, to try to reduce my personal energy consumption, it will do next to nothing for the environment. In a vacuum, I am nearly powerless in that regard. But there are millions more of “me” across the world. If we each take the cynical mindset, no one acts and we all lose. But if everyone adjusts their decision making slightly, we will start trending in the other direction.

After I read the chapters, a thought crossed my mind: “If I were to die right now, which moments in my life would have been the most meaningful”? I didn’t consider any objective accomplishments. The moments that came to my mind all had to do with interpersonal connection. A specific conversation that I had with someone. A time when I supported someone during a moment of panic or grief. A time where I set a good example for a younger sibling or cousin. A time where I stood up for someone. We all have had these moments. Interestingly, I rarely consider their importance. My mind tends to be occupied by goals and things that I can touch or visualize. Objective markers of “success”. The world tells us that we need to own and accomplish things. Value is rarely placed, however, on helping each other and deliberately sharing our human experiences.