Sometimes we find ourselves standing perfectly still, hoping that if we don't take a side, we won't get caught up in the chaos. We tell ourselves that being neutral is a way to keep the peace or stay out of trouble. But Howard Zinn’s words remind us of a much deeper truth: the world isn't a static landscape where we can just sit on a bench and watch the scenery pass. The world is a moving train, hurtling forward with immense momentum, and every single one of us is a passenger on board. When the train shifts direction, turns a corner, or speeds up, our very position changes, whether we intended it to or not.
In our daily lives, this often shows up in the small, quiet moments of how we treat others or how we respond to injustice. We might see someone being treated unfairly at work or a friend struggling with a heavy burden, and our instinct is to look the other way to avoid the discomfort of involvement. We think that by staying silent, we are remaining neutral. But silence is often a choice that supports the current direction of the tracks. If the train is heading toward a cliff, staying in your seat without saying anything doesn't save you; it just means you're along for the ride.
I remember a time when I saw a group of friends making fun of a newcomer in our little community. I felt that familiar, heavy tug in my chest, telling me to stay quiet so I wouldn't become the next target. I thought that by not joining in, I was being a good, neutral person. But as the laughter continued, I realized my silence was actually giving the bullies permission to keep going. My lack of action was a silent vote for their behavior. It took a lot of courage to finally speak up and say that the jokes weren't funny, but once I did, I felt a profound sense of relief. I wasn't just a passenger anymore; I was helping to steer the direction of the conversation.
It can be incredibly intimidating to realize that we cannot simply opt out of the movement of life. It requires us to acknowledge our agency and the weight of our influence. However, there is something beautiful about realizing that we have a say in where the journey goes. You don't have to be a conductor to make a difference; you just have to realize that your presence matters. Today, I want to encourage you to look at the areas of your life where you have been staying quiet. Ask yourself if your neutrality is truly helping, or if it is simply letting the train carry you toward a destination you don't actually want to reach. Small voices, when joined together, can change the entire course of the tracks.