When guiding lights go out
With the death of British playwright Harold Pinter on Christmas Eve, the world lost another of its visionaries. Pinter won the Nobel Prize for literature and had an influence on young playwrights that never can be understated.
In fact, 2008 saw the passing of many souls who strove to keep the world from slouching into darkness.
For society to progress, it takes more than inspired political leaders. The guiding lights must come from across the board; from the arts, sciences, religions and trades. Reading a compass is easy. But being a compass is something else again. And a heart that can always find "true north" is a gift that should not only be celebrated but mourned when it is lost.
And this year the world lost several inspired guides.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the Russian author who stood like a lighthouse against the tide of Soviet Communism, was a man with a fierce sense of morality. Like St. Jerome, he pulled no punches and he had a gift of language unparalleled in his time. He will be missed.
The Maharishi Yogi, best known as the guru to the Beatles, offered alternatives with his Transcendental Meditation courses and helped young and old find their true core by taking alternative routes.
Paul Weyrich, founder of the Heritage Foundation, beamed his light from the political right and was able to influence the direction of the nation because of his light's wattage, power and scope.
Ditto for William F. Buckley Jr.
Tim Russert brought humanity and a "long view" to his "Meet the Press" interviews.
Tony Snow brought humanity and strength of character to his position as the administration's press secretary.
Randy Pausch gave a speech that touched the soul.
Bo Diddley did the same with his music.
And finally, there was the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Savvy publications, Newsweek for example, gave President Hinckley the same amount of space and ink as it gave other notables like director Syndney Pollack and author Michael Crichton.
And with reason.
The magazine wrote that wherever President Hinckley went, "crowds waved white handkerchiefs. And he went a lot of places." Then after ticking off the highlights of his worldwide ministry and life, the piece concludes, "And to think: he hated to travel."
Sometimes, it seems, you go where you're wanted to go.
Recent comments
Quoting from the editorial: "...had an influence on young playwrights...
Irony | Dec. 27, 2008 at 9:22 p.m.
Whotta crab.
No one is saying Solzhenitsyn's works aren't
beloved...
Andt Dad | Dec. 27, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.
I'm not sure what you'll gain by heaping praise on Harold Pinter, an...
Solzhenitsyn yes; Pinter no | Dec. 27, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.
- Oil price rally falls 9:14 p.m.
- Investor probed in Madoff case 9:12 p.m.
- Davis eclipses world record in 1500m 9:12 p.m.
- Economic reports raise hopes 9:11 p.m.
- Garage for do-it-yourself repairs 9:10 p.m.
- Woman starts swimwear company 9:09 p.m.
- Care for needy is ongoing charge 9:06 p.m.
- Hotline focuses on sleep disorders 9:04 p.m.
- Pechstein allowed to compete 9:03 p.m.
- Could speed give the Utes trouble? 8:52 p.m.
- Letters: Global warming a lie
276 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
207 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
195 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
169 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
151 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
143 - Nude bathers cited for lewdness
137 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
130 - Jazz fall apart late at L.A.
110 - LDS to emphasize helping needy
106
Can you tell I just got out of a budget meeting with Gov Gary Herbert?
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
My problem with Reid or any other politician, even Romney is that they drop...
I knew we were in trouble when we didn't leave the house in Orem until 6, but...
As mission President in England, President Derrick admonished us to live our...
UBA was never an option. It is a money machine.
not only did the BCS not do TCU a favor they didn't even do themselves a...
Go Cougs!
This looks an awful lot like the Cleveland at BYU - blaming someone else,...
Cleveland made a lot of excuses - bottom line is Rose is a better coach and...
Where can I get one for my dog?
Yeah sorry bout that to the post at 10.35am, it was a little late and i...


