“Courage is like — it’s a habitus, a habit, a virtue: you get it by courageous acts. It’s like you learn to swim by swimming. You learn courage by couraging.”
I've been thinking a lot about optimism over the last few weeks. Optimism is often confused with ignorance. Folks assume the only way you can have an optimistic worldview is if you're ignorant of the reality. But to live in a better world, we have to be able to imagine it first. That requires optimism—heaps of it. So I've been coming to see optimism as a habit of mind—one that I have to practice at, rather than any kind of natural predisposition. It fuels the audaciousness it takes to push for change. Curating these weekly wrap-ups are part of that active practice. They're a list of what we've done, what we love, and what we have left to do. I hope it helps you practice optimism too!
WHAT WE'VE DONE
Felt a part of a global community on #meetascientist.
Urged the EPA to listen to science, while inspiring a new generation of experts #takeactiontuesday.
Helped scientists know our rights when advocating for science.
Get involved and make an impact in the US Midterm Elections.
Inspired young girls and women in Zurich at Kangaroo goes Science day.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Follow Friday: @_Astro_Nerd_, @caitvw, @Summer_Ash, @am_anatiala
Director of the Air & Space Museum Ellen Stofan on Slate's The Waves podcast.
The mighty women of NASA's new astronaut class.
@DNLee5's recap of women of color in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.
500 Queer Scientists' new merch!