I think the future also will not belong to those who are cynical

"I think the future also will not belong to those who are cynical or those who stand on the sidelines." – These words, spoken by the late Paul Wellstone, ring with an urgent truth: the future belongs not to those who doubt or dismiss the possibility of change, nor to those who remain passive in the face of adversity. It belongs to those who rise up, who act with courage, and who believe in the power of their efforts to shape the world. Cynicism, like a poison, clouds the soul and saps the energy of progress, while standing on the sidelines allows the forces of change to pass by unchallenged. The future, it seems, is a domain for those who dare to enter the fray.

In ancient times, cynicism was seen as a fatal flaw of the spirit, a refusal to believe in the possibility of goodness and change. The Greeks spoke of the stoic philosophers who, while resilient, also warned against the dangers of bitterness and detachment from the struggles of life. For those who refused to take part in the betterment of society, the great philosophers offered little mercy. Plato once said, “The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” The cynic, the indifferent observer, may avoid the pain of involvement, but they also forfeit their power to influence the world.

Paul Wellstone’s words echo this timeless wisdom. To stand aside and let the world pass by is to surrender the very essence of our humanity. Those who take action—who work tirelessly for the betterment of their community, their world—are the ones who leave a lasting legacy. Consider the example of Mahatma Gandhi, who, when confronted with the immense injustices of British colonial rule in India, refused to stand on the sidelines. Though many others were skeptical of his methods, Gandhi persisted, believing that a nonviolent movement could change the course of history. His faith in the power of action, in the ability of ordinary people to rise above oppression, transformed an entire nation.

History, time and again, has shown that those who challenge the status quo and step forward in the face of hardship are the ones who carve paths for future generations. In the American civil rights movement, it was not the cynics who led the way, but individuals like Martin Luther King Jr., whose courage and conviction sparked a revolution in human rights. Dr. King did not stand on the sidelines; he marched, he spoke, and he sacrificed, embodying the very essence of Paul Wellstone’s words. The world changed because those who were dissatisfied with the present refused to let fear or cynicism prevent them from striving for a better tomorrow.

Yet, the lesson of Wellstone's quote is not only about grand historical movements but about the individual choices we make every day. Every moment we spend standing idly by, watching injustice, suffering, or complacency go unchecked, is a moment we lose in the struggle for a better world. Action, even in the smallest form, is the antidote to cynicism. It could be as simple as standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, or offering a hand to those in need. In each of these acts, we shape the future, for the future is not some distant dream but something that is being built by our actions today.

The lesson here is clear: if we are to build a future worthy of our aspirations, we must be active participants. We must not stand on the sidelines, waiting for someone else to take the first step. The path forward is not paved by those who criticize or judge from the safety of distance; it is paved by those who, like Wellstone, Gandhi, and King, refuse to be passive observers.** It is built by those who act with hope, with passion, and with the belief that their efforts—however small—will lead to something greater.

To those listening, remember that the future is shaped by the choices we make today. Stand up, speak out, and engage in the fight for a better world. Reject the cynicism that seeks to pull you into the shadows and choose instead to be a light, a force of change. Take that first step, no matter how daunting, and the future will not only belong to you—it will belong to all those whose lives you touch through your actions.