It is not yet clear whether the current economic disaster will produce anything like the profound transformation that shook the U.S. during the Great Depression. Our own crises of belief are likely just beginning. If we are fortunate, however, we will have a generation of artists and intellectuals like those of the 1930s to help us imagine our way past confusion.

I’m a little behind on my perusing, as clearly illustrated by the date on this article, however I thought it especially pertinent, and perhaps now more than February, as this is the time when things bloom. This time is perfect for opportunity: from crisis almost always comes a cavalcade of art. Feed your ideas: give them water and light and speak to them softly, let them grow ripe and rich; and come fall, when it’s time to shut yourself inside, pick them from the tree and bite slowly and savor.

However if you’re in the southern hemisphere you may be behind on the times. Or possibly very far ahead, je ne sais pas.

| Hope |