We introduced yesterday a vital topic based on new scientific studies about depression among young people world over. Information scientists conducting the studies called “shocking” since young people traditionally are agents of joy, promise and possibility whose aspirations energize the older generations. We promised to develop this theme more fully.
But also yesterday, there was breaking news, of course, about President Biden’s decision to step out of the 2024 presidential race. A proposal I shared in a previous DM that brought about considerable backlash from some of our readers—several of whom quit our daily DMs because of it.
I praise Biden for making that decision that was clearly a difficult one for him. I praise him also for the many accomplishments of his administration under a very tight margin of votes in Congress, accomplishments that have clearly advanced the common good around climate change, infrastructure, manufacturing jobs, taking on big pharma, student loan debt and so much more.
I do think there is a relation between his decision and the theme of youth depression insofar as he is, as so many urged him to do, “passing the baton” to younger generations.
That act alone is a story he is telling younger people that is true and positive: That not all adults cling to power until their last breath. Some have learned to trust potential leaders emerging from newer generations. That should inspire the young.
As I counseled Biden in my letter, the art of letting go is so important and it is, as Eckhart teaches us, how the soul grows—“by subtraction and not by addition.” Biden, by letting go so publicly, passes on a powerful story for the young, and I praise him for that and appreciate his enlarged soul.
And I look forward to the leadership of Kamala Harris—or whoever is ultimately chosen by the Democrats, to lead them and move beyond the ageism and adultism that has penetrated both our political parties of late.
I certainly felt, during his very extended and meandering acceptance speech last Thursday, that Trump, who is only three years younger than Biden, is himself suffering from a compromised mental capacity to match his very visibly compromised moral capacity. Lying about winning an election, refusing to leave office, and fomenting a January 6 riot to stay in power being just three examples of the latter.
See Matthew Fox, “Honoring the Child Within—Youth and the Cosmic Christ,” in Fox, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, pp. 180-198.
And Fox, “The experience of God must not be restricted to the few or to the old,” in Fox, The Tao of Thomas Aquinas, pp. 1-8.
Banner Image: “President Joe Biden makes an announcement in the Oval Office.” Official White House photo on Wikimedia Commons.
Queries for Contemplation
Do you see a positive lesson and impact for young people from Biden’s decision to let go and grow his soul by subtraction and not addition?
Recommended Reading
The Coming of the Cosmic Christ: The Healing of Mother Earth and the Birth of a Global Renaissance
In what may be considered the most comprehensive outline of the Christian paradigm shift of our Age, Matthew Fox eloquently foreshadows the manner in which the spirit of Christ resurrects in terms of the return to an earth-based mysticism, the expression of creativity, mystical sexuality, the respect due the young, the rebirth of effective forms of worship—all of these mirroring the ongoing blessings of Mother Earth and the recovery of Eros, the feminine aspect of the Divine.
“The eighth wonder of the world…convincing proof that our Western religious tradition does indeed have the depth of imagination to reinvent its faith.” — Brian Swimme, author of The Universe Story and Journey of the Universe.
“This book is a classic.” Thomas Berry, author of The Great Work and The Dream of the Earth.
The Tao of Thomas Aquinas: Fierce Wisdom for Hard Times
A stunning spiritual handbook drawn from the substantive teachings of Aquinas’ mystical/prophetic genius, offering a sublime roadmap for spirituality and action.
Foreword by Ilia Delio.
“What a wonderful book! Only Matt Fox could bring to life the wisdom and brilliance of Aquinas with so much creativity. The Tao of Thomas Aquinas is a masterpiece.”
–Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit
8 thoughts on “Youth Despair and Biden’s Decision to Let Go”
It does not appear that Joe Biden in example to the youth, gracefully passed the baton to a younger generation. Was Biden, desperately clinging on to the promise of a 2nd term of POTUS, forced out by powerful people in the party and had his funding dry up? As respectfully as can be said, I do not believe that he knew of, paid attention to, or was aware of Matthew’s letter of ‘wise counsel’.
Many were willing to give Joe Biden the benefit of the doubt and continue their support until more evidence came out of his ‘mental impairment’, if that is the right way to describe it. When he recently described VP Harris as VP Trump, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as President Putin, the end of Biden’s storied 2nd run was all but over.
There are bigger questions to be addressed and answered, that have not gone away since 2016. Now that Biden is gone from the race, party frontrunner Kamala Harris is now subject to the vile, venomous and hateful tirades of Trump and his party leaders and influencers. The party faithful, consisting of over 70 million voters in the last election, carry this same hatred in their hearts, and many are well spoken and educated. Many are women, whom as a group Trump does not respect and holds in contempt. How do we resolve this call to hatred? How are we complicit in not trying to listen, understand and come to resolve many of the issues that affect the entire population and not those of any party in particular? – BB.
I appreciate President Biden’s work, which, as you point out, has moved our country forward and given us back a definite level of normalcy in relations in our government. And regarding the youth, as an older teacher, stepmother, aunt and great-aunt, I am Definitely hopeful for the kind of country our young may develop: They are so beautiful in their respect and kindness for one another. They allow each other to be different from themselves. Though they can judge systems, they can refrain from judgement of others. When I am with them, I know much hope for our future because, as a friend and Monsignor in his last years said, “Maybe kindness is all that really matters.” It surely does lubricate the wheels ~
Thank you Matthew!! I am with you 100% and was anxious to read your take on Biden’s stepping back and passing the torch. It was a spiritual lesson for all of us. It has given me hope watching the Dems coming together and aligning behind Kamala. Thank God!
Thank you for your many thoughtful and relevant reflections. I believe that President Biden has offered us all a lesson in his decision to step down. He chose the greater good over personal gain and continues to portray the qualities of a good leader. He leaves a legacy unmatched and it is my hope that he will be regarded as one of our finest presidents. He believes in a God who has been with him in his many trials in life and will hold him as he finishes the task he committed to 4 years ago.
What you said, Peggy! I also like allusion, Matthew, that Joe shows us in his decision how to grow by subtraction rather than addition. It helps me understand the phrase. 🙂
Thank you. I was taken aback when you first called for Biden to step down. But I now realize how correct you were. I appreciate that in many of your meditations you bring in the political aspects and situations of what is happening in our country and world. If only more spiritual leaders would have the moral courage to speak out on so
many different fronts. Thanks again!
Yes!!! Most of us social and spiritual progressives (personal and social evolution are intimately related spiritually in the Wholistic Spirit of LOVE, Truth, and Justice) are happy and more Hopeful that President Joe Biden has made this difficult unselfish decision to step down and pass the Democratic electoral process and fight to a younger generation of strong leadership under Kamala Harris to save our Democracy from an authoritarian and racist Trump who already has a cult following among his MAGA followers and Republican Party.
Matthew, I applaud your bravery and honesty in expressing your feelings concerning the dilemma facing our nation. After the disastrous Presidential Debate in June, I prayed for enlightenment for President Biden. Being in a situation I had no control over, and not knowing what the correct outcome should be, I simply asked for guidance for him to follow whatever steps were placed before him. It appears that prayer was answered.