Finding the Strength to Say “Yes”

“Remember, you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don’t learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying “yes” begins things. Saying “yes” is how things grow. Saying “yes” leads to knowledge. “Yes” is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say “yes’.”

– Stephen Colbert, Knox College Commencement Address, 2006.

During my time running workshops and professional development there is always this interesting first few hours of work together. If the group size is large enough this can largely continue anonymously, as people weigh you up and digest what you are saying. Sometimes it is more overt as you learn more about each other. If you have ever run professional development sessions you will know the feeling.

In both instances I see Stephen Colbert’s words manifesting themselves before me. Those people who are ready to say “Yes”, to jump in, to learn, to be open to a challenge and new ideas and ultimately to go away and try.

And there are those who say “No”, who step back from the edge, who close off to anything new and are averse to a challenge and who ultimately will always do what they have always done.

Of course it is not as simple as turning your back on those who react in the negative. Perhaps sometimes we need to help people to find the strength, as Colbert suggests, to turn their “No” into a “Yes”, and take that step off the ledge for the very first time.