It is impossible to see intangible things, but sometimes an intangible thing can be so vibrant, pronounced, and real that it is as though it can be seen. The author experienced this with enthusiasm while in Washington, D.C., during the inaugural activities. He saw the beginning of this enthusiasm the moment President Donald Trump was elected, as many people reached out to the administration with a question: How can I help?
After Trump’s election, many talented individuals wanted to move to D.C. to work for free in various capacities, fueled by the broad-based coalition that drove Trump to victory and the astonishingly good early appointments, which marked the beginning of an outburst of ambitious idealism.
The author contrasts this with the Democratic side, where there seems to be no enthusiasm for any policy or set of policies, except for abortion, which is now a state issue. He notes that it’s hard to think of anything the Democrats are enthusiastically against now.
The author argues that enthusiasm is important, citing the biblical concept of God appearing in a burning bush and leading the Israelites out of slavery with a “pillar of fire.” He notes that the Torah associates God with fire, teaching that the performance of righteous actions requires a “flaming heart.”
He also references John Wooden, a renowned basketball coach who attributed his team’s success to enthusiasm, calling it a prerequisite for both inspiration and persistence. The author suggests that the Democrats could share enthusiasm with Republicans, specifically in the area of healthcare, citing the decline in cigarette smoking as a result of Democratic enthusiasm for decreasing tobacco use. He suggests that reviving this enthusiasm could lead to a healthier America and align with the science of healthy eating and living.
Overall, the author believes that enthusiasm is crucial for significant achievement and that the Democrats could benefit from embracing this concept, which could lead to a more united and healthier America.
