In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always

Hear, O sons and daughters of the earth, the voice of Paul Harvey, who with clarity declared: “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.” These words, though gentle in tone, strike like thunder against despair. For whenever men and women believe their age to be the darkest, whenever they feel the weight of chaos, conflict, and fear, they must remember: humanity has faced storms before, and humanity has endured. The world has always known hardship, but it has also always known resilience.

The origin of this saying lies in Harvey’s life as a voice of American radio, where he spoke to millions through years of war, unrest, and change. His words were not lofty philosophy, but practical wisdom meant to steady trembling hearts. He reminded people that history itself is a rhythm of trial and triumph. Each age believes itself cursed with unique turmoil, yet when one looks back, one sees that fear, struggle, and uncertainty are eternal companions of mankind. The power of Harvey’s words rests in perspective: the knowledge that we are not alone in our suffering, for every generation has endured “times like these.”

Consider the tale of the Great Depression. Families starved, banks collapsed, and nations trembled. It seemed to those who lived through it that the world itself was ending. And yet, they endured. They planted victory gardens, they tightened their belts, they leaned upon one another, and in their endurance laid the foundation for future prosperity. What seemed like an age unlike any other was, in truth, another chapter in the long story of human resilience. Times like these had been faced before, and they were overcome.

History repeats this pattern again and again. During the Black Death in medieval Europe, despair covered the continent like a shroud. Entire villages vanished, faith was shaken, and it seemed humanity itself might perish. And yet, when the plague had passed, the Renaissance blossomed—a new age of art, science, and discovery. Out of unimaginable darkness, light returned. Here too the truth of Harvey’s words is proven: times like these—of fear and sorrow—have always existed, but they also give birth to renewal.

The meaning, then, is twofold. First, it comforts: the storms of our own day are not eternal, nor are they unique. Others have walked through them and emerged. Second, it calls us to courage: if others endured their trials, so can we. To despair is to forget history; to remember is to find strength. Times like these will not last, but the spirit forged in them will endure.

The lesson for us is clear: do not imagine your age is cursed beyond redemption. Instead, draw wisdom from the ages past. When you feel crushed by uncertainty, remember that your ancestors too faced famine, war, plague, and injustice—and still they lived, still they loved, still they built futures for their children. If they had surrendered to despair, you would not be here to draw breath. Let their example ignite your courage.

Practical counsel stands before you. When fear presses upon you, study history. Read the stories of those who endured before you—of Lincoln guiding through civil war, of Churchill rallying a nation under bombardment, of ordinary men and women who held their families together with only faith and determination. Let their endurance be your own. Speak words of encouragement to others, reminding them that storms pass, and that humanity has never faced one it did not outlast.

So let Paul Harvey’s words echo in your heart: “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.” Take them as a shield against despair and as a torch of hope. For the darkness you face today is not the end of all things, but another shadow in the long story of mankind. And just as those before you overcame, so too will you. Stand firm, live with courage, and pass on the strength of remembrance to the generations yet to come.