Trusting to See, Feel, Stand
The bane of Americans is overwork–and the ruin of any work is a divided interest. –
Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens’ Letter to Orion Clemens) 12 May 1880
May 1st, International Workers’ Day, is recognized in 80 countries as Spring begins her ascent in many parts of the world. The warmer weather brings the planting season. Many begin more outdoor activities to enjoy the beauty of our environment which ultimately is ours to cherish, guard, and keep. Those responsibilities remain part of a system in which workers of all categories can bring their unique skills and beauty to their life’s vocation and livelihood.
Unique in recent history because of the cautionary onset of the pandemic that invaded our world this decade, essential workers across the globe earned and redefined the idea of “being present” for their own families, neighbors, and strangers alike. Although a normal living pace stopped, long enough for flowers to bloom, animals to emerge, dolphins to be discovered in Venetian canals, and our Earth to regenerate, human discernment quickly evaporated when an unnatural normal returned to control…or even overreach, creating confusion rather than clarity. To date, the death toll from the pandemic is reported at 7.1 million (COVID-19 deaths | WHO COVID-19 dashboard). Imbalance, accidental or intentional, has become the norm.
Despite this lingering imbalance in our world today, there are still people and places worldwide with an awareness and appreciation of the value of work and those who labor, often with immense sacrifice. It is to be found in the throngs of everyday people who have assisted, volunteered, offered themselves to their families, friends, neighbors, and strangers selflessly in difficult times as many rally to emerge from a disastrous decade. The turbulence is far from over, yet clarity begins when our inner wisdom is accessed.
It is curious–curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.
– Mark Twain in Eruption
The arts, too, in their various forms, illustrate these values and messages with degrees of candor, courage and passion. One such triumph highlights Article 1 of the Italian Constitution and states that Italy is a democratic Republic founded on labor. Sovereignty belongs to the people and is exercised by the people in the forms and within the limits of the Constitution. It is also a film of the same name, Article 1, directed by Luca Bianchini and produced by Alveare Cinema and RAI Documentari films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIbP2r2hitg The award-winning film traces the lives lost of three workers, situations compounded in many countries where humans risk losing their humanity, or replaced by AI, in either case, becoming just statistics.
Another outstanding example of awakening our abilities to recognize and activate our inherent discernment has recently become apparent, especially under the stressful decisions and actions that have recently been reported in our world today.
Last October, I visited family and friends in a southern suburb of Milan, known for its high-rise affordable public housing. I was struck by a particular mural painted on the side of one tenement building, and “interpreted” the imagery which featured the willful destruction of a tree with an axe from one male youth figure, countered by an elderly female figure tending a garden. It struck me how that work of urban art expressed a warm message that most likely resonated with the more aware people of that community.
Photo of mural Rozzano (Milano) Renee Good – Photo Credit: F.Rito
A few weeks ago, I received an email with photos of two new murals, both near the building where friends reside. I marveled not only at the artwork and its execution, but the subject matter of the murals. Across an ocean of differences, language, culture, currency, and many other factors that separate, the appreciation for courage, moral decision-making, and “standing for something almost indescribable” stared out at this community as an immense reminder of taking a stand, and making a choice, respected across contrived borders unseen from Artemis II and embraced by a congenial, mutual spirit that transcends those superimposed lines.
Mural of Alex Pretti – Photo Credit: F.Rito
The artist, Amed, (https://www.inward.it/artisti/#artisti_name-65)from Campania where other relatives of mine live, adheres to the INWARD organization (https://isociologia.up.pt/en/inward-international-network-writing-art-research-and-development) and creed of enhancing urban creativity. Recognizing the portraits of Renee and Alex, I marveled at the strong emotional connections that help all who are willing to see, learn, and trust beyond headlines into hearts…and explore to understand our connections.
Know your worth on this International Workers’ Day 2026.
