“To those who can hear me, I say—do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed—the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people.” ~ Charlie Chaplin in “The Great Dictator”

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To say that we live in troubling times is more than an understatement.

But the history of mankind is littered with troubling times. And while it’s tempting to give in to despair, it is the one thing we cannot afford to do.

Well, not the only thing, actually—nor can we afford to shrug our shoulders and give in to indifference.

We need to hold on to hope that, collectively, we can make this world a better place for all beings.

And we also need to do our bit—in whatever way we can—to make the world a better place for all.

This Irish “Freedom” dance was released to the world a year ago. The footwork is a joy to watch in its own right, but set to the backdrop of Charlie Chaplin’s speech from the The Great Dictator, it may do more than simply please your artistic senses. May it also inspire hope when despair is beckoning.

“You, the people, have the power—the power to create happiness. You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure.”

“Let us all unite.”

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Author: Hilda Carroll

Image: Screenshot

Editors: Yoli Ramazzina; Catherine Monkman