An Open Letter To Donald Trump

Dear Donald,
In the multitude of voices that surround you, I humbly present my own—a whisper, perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, but one laden with hope and critical thought. My name is Jose Franco, author of (2019) "How To Get Better at Things You Don't Think You're Bad at by 2020," a work that, much like the musings of Boethius in his prison cell, grapples with the Sisyphean task of making a meaningful impact in a world dominated by louder, more bombastic figures—such as yourself.
As the nation holds its breath while a jury of your peers deliberates your innocence in the hush money trial in New York, I can't help but reflect on the glaring disparity between your soaring popularity and my own modest reach. Is the audacity of hope reflected in my writings foolish?

Your name resonates through every household, while my altruistic writings drift like autumn leaves, barely noticed, scarcely acknowledged. And yet, I persist, fueled by a conviction that echoes the philosophical ponderings of William James. The line between persistence and sanity (at times) feels blurred when achieving a critical mass of readers willing to delve into these complex ideas feels like an uphill battle. It’s akin to convincing a significant portion of Americans in 2024 to immerse themselves in Proust’s opus, subsequently adopting a more reflective and open-hearted approach to life.

Yet, therein lies the paradox of optimistic nihilism: even as my writings may seem like insignificant ripples in the vast ocean of public consciousness, the effort to promote love over fear remains a worthwhile endeavor. If my book stands as the antithesis to Machiavelli’s "The Prince," it does so by advocating for a leadership rooted in empathy, humility, and altruism.

Mr. President, allow me to distill the essence of my book into thirteen pragmatic, yet critical ideas—each a beacon of light in an often dark and divided world:

1. Embrace Humility: Recognize that improvement begins with acknowledging our imperfections.
2. Cultivate Empathy: Strive to understand others' perspectives, even when they clash with our own.
3. Value Constructive Criticism: See feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal attack.
4. Practice Patience: Change takes time; be persistent yet gentle with yourself and others.
5. Prioritize Integrity: Let your actions align with your principles, even when it's inconvenient.
6. Foster Resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks with renewed vigor.
7. Seek Knowledge: Always be open to learning, no matter how much you think you already know.
8. Promote Collaboration: Understand that collective effort often yields greater results than solitary endeavors.
9. Exercise Mindfulness: Stay present and engaged, appreciating the here and now.
10. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create spaces where diverse ideas can be shared and debated respectfully.
11. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you wish to see in others.
12. Show Gratitude: Regularly express appreciation for the contributions and efforts of those around you.
13. Choose Love Over Fear: Let compassion and kindness guide your decisions and interactions.

These principles, if embraced on a larger scale, could foster a society where understanding and cooperation trump division and animosity. However, in the shadow of your towering influence, my efforts may seem inconsequential. Yet, I remain optimistic in my nihilism, accepting that significance is not measured by the number of followers or the decibels of applause, but by the quiet, persistent pursuit of betterment.

In a world that often celebrates Machiavellian tactics and the raw pursuit of power, my book represents the other side of the pendulum—where love is chosen over fear, where altruism outshines self-interest. This is a reality where my ideas may seem like whispers against the roaring winds of populism and sensationalism, yet they remain vital, if not for today, then perhaps for a more enlightened tomorrow.

Mr. Trump, as your fate hangs in the balance of this trial, I implore you to reflect on these ideas. Imagine a world where leaders are guided not by the desire to dominate but by the aspiration to uplift. It is a world that may seem utopian, perhaps even naive, but it is a world worth striving for. And while my words may not reach the critical mass needed to effect immediate change, they carry the seeds of possibility—a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful, empathetic engagement.
Yours in hopeful humility,
Jose Franco