“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I have already been blessed to live a wild and precious life. From Australia to America, and the continents in between, I have marveled at beautiful sunsets sinking behind mountains and oceans, with people whose languages I often don't speak. Whether in Cambridge or the Congo, I've realized that we all share the same dream for a happy life.
I am saddened that not all those watching the sunset will have their dreams fulfilled – because of deep poverty, conflict, inequality and all levels of struggle to get through the day. There are many paths to alleviate these sufferings, and maybe this is not the best place to try, but my hope is that by entering politics in Australia, I can effect change in the local and global system, to create opportunities to help people fulfill their dreams.
Who knows whether I will meet my aspirations, I certainly have my doubts, but I am compelled by the words – 'of those to whom much is given, much is expected'.
And when the sun finally dips towards my horizon, I want to sit back on my verandah, reach for my wife's hand and know that the world is a better place because I lived in it. A better world, because I was given enormous opportunities and chose to participate; while inspiring my children to do the same.
— Peter Tynan