Posted October 17, 2017
This United Nations day is inspired by these words:
"Human misery is not inevitable."
Of course, sadness and anger are inevitable in each and every person's life. We are not perfect, and society isn't perfect, and the world / universe are not paradises in which nothing ever goes wrong.
But misery is something else - something worse than ordinary sadness and anger.
Misery is a state of constant distress - of almost continuous anguish. Misery is the sort of extreme suffering that goes on and on.
Misery is being very, very sick with no helpful medicines or treatments that can either cure the sufferer or at least reduce his or her pain and discomfort.
Misery is being endlessly hungry, only rare moments of being comfortably full.
Misery is being bone-chillingly cold, with no way to warm up. No shelter, no cozy clothing, no way to get out of the snow or rain or sleet.
Misery is being extremely poor. And today is dedicated to getting rid of extreme poverty and, hopefully, misery.
Father Joseph Wresinski said in a call to action thirty years ago, "Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”
Basically, the idea behind the day is working toward peaceful and inclusive societies. How nice!
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