In just a few weeks, we’ll have national elections again. Many people have, somewhat rightly, lost interest. Yet, I’m noticing the opposite trend: for the first time in years, I have a glimmer of hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our society, the realization is slowly sinking in that the populist right wing has made a mess of things. If recent polls<\/a> are to be believed, the electorate is starting to shift back toward the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I saw that disasters can also lead to insights during a broadcast of Eva<\/a>, where she spoke with well-known Flemish people about politics in the Netherlands. For example, Evi Hanssen spoke about letting go of political expectations: “With us [in Flanders] it’s always a mess. But we know: we’ll get through this.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Author Tom Lanoye adds: In his view, the Dutch are “serial messianists.” He was referring to the fact that we eagerly await a political savior every election. Don’t rely too much on politics, say these Flemish people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conversation with Eva ties in with several books I’ve been reading in recent months, including Lao Zi’s ‘The Book of Tao.’ Taoism<\/a> is based on the belief that each of us already possesses everything within us to live a good life (Tao means “source”). And that living a good life therefore boils down to the noble art of “doing nothing.” Everything else, including the pursuit of political influence or blindly trusting politicians, is merely a distraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It gives me wonderful insights. That living life is enough, for example. That self-awareness doesn’t come from outside, but from within. And that by doing nothing, you connect with the energy of the universe. To name just a few highlights. That resonates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, it also causes friction. Values \u200b\u200blike “justice” and “humanity” are seen as external creations, and therefore superfluous. It’s better to avoid political positions and active volunteerism, as they would only be vain and distract from the right path (Tao means “source” as well as “way”).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gaining knowledge is also seen as a distraction. After all, why learn things when you already have everything? To quote our neighbors to the south: I’m a serial student. I devour knowledge \u2014 through books, courses, education programmes, etc. And I love it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also clashes with my perspective on politics. Personally, I believe we need leaders right now who master the art of leadership. Who sense what’s needed and dare to move a country toward it. Not out of vanity, indeed, but with vision and decisiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides books on Taoism, I’ve also been reading other works in recent weeks. One example is ‘A Different Kind of Power,’ the memoir by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden<\/a>. In it, she shows how things can be done differently: a politics based on authenticity, service, and integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tao<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Faber<\/h4>\n\n\n\n