Common Endeavour

The branches of a gum tree against a blue sky, some white puffy clouds and a hint of power lines.

the Common Good

The act of existence

Recently Stan Grant raised two ideas that speak to the shape of Common Endeavour; to how the organisation approaches being a party of government. First, “We do not derive the truth from knowledge or news, we feel it.” And second, “ipsum esse”, which Stan interprets as meaning "the act of existence”.

Three pairs of powerlines running horizontally across a white cloud flecked blue sky

Connection

Fragile positive

It is good to know who Australian's would rather have running the country but there is no avoiding the fact that these numbers show some serious begrudging support at work. When we focus on which option voters prefer up front out of Labor or coalition, one whole third of the country said neither.

Connection

I know it's difficult

Because of the human propensity to compare ourselves with others, we notice when they are doing better than us, and it feels bad. When this isn't seen as fair, it feels intolerable. When many people feel that way towards a group of their fellow citizens, that's bad for democracy.

Golden poplars reflecting in the glassy, still Snowy River. The Dalgety Bridge is in the background.

Nation Building

We have nothing to fear

When the main argument against a proposal is that it’s going to hurt AND that it is too hard to understand, that argument itself is what you should be most worried about.

A pair of powerlines on a hill against a blue sky

Connection

Loneliness

Loneliness is a topic that's rarely discussed in polite company. Perhaps it sounds silly to tell someone whose presence you are literally in that you are lonely. In a world full of technology that can join us together almost effortlessly across space and time, loneliness is surely a character flaw.

A power pylon on a mountainside, with powerlines going in different directions

Connection

Core needs

One of my favourite meditations focuses on the core needs every person has for safety, satisfaction, and connection. For me, taking the time to sit quietly and gently remember the importance of these three things in our lives - and how fortunate I am to have these needs met abundantly

The water inflow at Corin Dam, with the sloping hills in the background.

Nation Building

Building what now?

In these pages, Nation Building broadly means anything that builds up the country. That could be physical infrastructure, like the beautiful Corin Dam, but it could equally refer to anything that brings us together as people.