By Newt Gingrich
Coming to the end of 2020, many of us feel battered. Whether it’s politics, or the coronavirus, or the economy, or the lockdowns, there are ample reasons to be confused if not depressed. However, given the gloomy mood of the country — and indeed the world — it’s essential to maintain hope.
On this week’s episode of my podcast, “Newt’s World,” I explain why — but not in the way you’re expecting.
In the early 20th century, the American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote a marvelous series about John Carter, a fictional Virginian who ends up on Mars, surrounded by Martian civilization.
Throughout Carter’s adventures, Burroughs has him repeatedly say, “Where there’s life there’s hope.” So, Carter will get in some bad situation and say that line — and of course Burroughs makes sure things always work out.
When I lost my first election, when I lost my second election, when I got to Congress and failed for years to create a majority — each time I would say, well, where there’s life there’s hope.
So, I really do believe in the triumph of the human spirit and the need to pick ourselves up. In fact, we coined the phrase “cheerful persistence” to capture how we sought to change history and create a Republican majority, which we finally did after 40 years.
This year has been a tough time for all of us — some more than others. But we can still live well and prevail, not just endure, and that’s because of the human spirit. If we’re prepared to endure, then we will prevail.
In America, each of us has the opportunity to rise to the occasion — not necessarily to rise to the top, but to rise to the challenge, to make our lives slightly better. Our country is made remarkable because of all the individuals who, in their own way, do remarkable things.
I hope you will listen to this week’s episode of “Newt’s World” and remember that, where there’s life, there’s hope.
