Altruism and optimism

Although altruism isn’t about getting egotistical about our Boy Scout good deeds, we should never ignore its significance or the power of it, when we go into the outside world to meet social and political challenges
Importantly, altruism is a central ideal for the future. When we start observing it in our own private lives and then start to apply it in the service of some great cause, it becomes integral to everything we do (for that cause). It adds something important to the image and reputation (of that cause). It is the very mode of our repair work. Activists and advocates of all major causes who understand the importance of non-violence, need to be strong on altruism.
The old way of winning campaigns is finished. That was where we gained power and clobbered the opponent so hard he/she conceded. Maybe today we have learnt to consider both sides of any argument, come to a conclusion based on the greater good and stick with it until something better comes along. Whatever we do, we must make a stand against violence and put self interest behind us. This isn’t easy or straightforward and yet this is the kind of approach Ghandi describes as "soul-force" - using the soul part of us to deal with major problems by way of non-violence and unselfishness.
Many people believe the world is doomed. They say we’re caught up in our own misdeeds and must atone for them. For many others though, it’s a matter of holding out for better ideas. Looking forward to a better world, dreaming of better things to come. And yet, is it because it is "just a dream" that we don’t really believe it will happen or see how it could happen?