Bob Schwartz

Let’s assume Trump is a problem—for democracy, for the rule of law, for the economy, for the world order. If that seems like a big problem, yeah, so it seems.

What to do? What for us to do? What for you to do?

It is counterintuitive, even dangerous, to stop in the face of an emergency. Better to do something than do nothing. But is it better to do anything than nothing?

It is unnatural not to yell, criticize and curse in the face of a crisis. It seems cathartic to pile on and inspire others to resistance. But if it only adds to the environment of dark negativity, having little practical beneficial effect, are we poisoning ourselves?

Thinking is hardest of all, which seems a luxury as things get worse by the day. But before acting and speaking, think independently and fully, if you can, free of ideology and influence. If there is a solution, in the near term, midterm, long term, investigate and act. And as a bonus, enjoy the moments of quiet contemplation and stillness within which the solutions will be born.