Latest news with #SteveLopez
Forbes
17-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Living With And ON Purpose
Team purpose 'Virtuous purpose is worth more than any other person's conditional and unreliable respect. It is rooted in service and sacrifice, not entitlement.' So writes David French, the New York Times columnist and political commentator. This statement is from a recent op-ed that noted his service as a military reservist who has served overseas. Many veterans express such thoughts about purpose because the intensity of their experience was never sharper than when they were a cohesive unit going through an extreme situation such as combat. The virtue emerges from working for a greater goal beyond what an individual can achieve. The challenge becomes, what do we do next? Not long ago, I interviewed sociologist Erin Cech, author of The Trouble with Passion. She argues that purpose is often overemphasized, and as a result, it leaves people disillusioned at work. Cech and many others believe that work itself need not provide purpose. Instead, what you do with the output of work – income, for example – enables purpose, living your life, and taking care of others. Purpose can evolve. Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times, the author of Independence Day, a book about retirement, argues that when it comes to fulfillment, particularly later in life after work, simple things like walking your dog can offer purpose. It focuses on the day and gets one out of the house and into the fresh air. David French's coupling of the word purpose with 'virtuous' harkens back to our Founding Fathers. As historian Tom Ricks writes in First Principles, 'public virtue' was paramount. Living a life of virtue was a mark of integrity. So much so that some Founders said that if virtue prevailed, there would be no need for a constitutional government because people would do the right thing. Fortunately, more reasoned minds, notably George Washington realized that such aspirations were not feasible. The Constitution therefore created a system of governance rooted in principles of equality and justice. [Shamefully, Black enslaved people were ignored for the next century and more.] Virtuous purpose, as French writes, is rooted in sacrifice. It ennobles the individual because it serves the common good. Servicemen and women put their time, energy, and often personal safety into keeping the nation safe. Community volunteers at home devote their service to keeping disadvantaged populations, collectively and individually, from despair and disaster. The purpose is how you define it. For leaders, it becomes the why from which vision and mission spring. So it must be communicated relentlessly. For individuals, it shapes our values. So harkening to the notion of virtue is a good start. Virtue may be as simple as the Golden Rule – 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' A higher purpose is often used about faith, but that does not mean that serving fellow men is of 'lower purpose' or value—a higher purpose – whether based on religion or community — is living for the greater good. Reflecting on the nature of purpose is more than just an exercise in philosophy. Delving into the meaning of life for self and others is an exercise in shaping how you want to live. The challenge for each of us is to act purposefully. Now and in the future.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Letters to the Editor: Alzheimer's affects too many Americans for research to be cast aside
To the editor: I really appreciate that Steve Lopez wrote a powerful column calling attention to the insanity of cutting off the funding for an ambitious study of Alzheimer's ( '7 million people have Alzheimer's. Why is the Trump administration derailing research?' May 2). This disease has blighted — and will continue to blight — millions of lives, affecting people from Ronald Reagan to Gene Hackman to one's own family members. That the principal investigator of the study believes that the problem is the use of the word "diverse" in its title shows the utter mindlessness of the DOGE proceedings. Glenna Matthews, Laguna Beach .. To the editor: Like many families, ours lost a loved one to Alzheimer's many years ago. As with any illness, Alzheimer's knows no political party — it can affect any and all human beings. The interruption of the study will halt so much important medical research that would only serve to benefit all people, from the poor to billionaires. At the same time, the administration is willing to spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for a military parade for President Trump's birthday. Why does that seem to take priority over fighting deadly diseases? Frances Terrell Lippman, Sherman Oaks This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
29-04-2025
- Los Angeles Times
L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez wins a Poynter Journalism Prize
Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez has won the 2025 Poynter Journalism Prizes' Mike Royko Award for his coverage of the struggles of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westlake. Lopez, who also won the Royko award in 2020 for his 2019 coverage of the L.A. homelessness crisis, was recognized this year for a collection of columns chronicling the fentanyl epidemic in Westlake, where drug use and homelessness are rampant. The Royko award recognizes excellence in writing by an individual expressing a personal point of view. Times columnist Gustavo Arellano was recognized as a finalist in the same category for a series of columns exploring the 'Latino vote.' The Poynter Prizes, which were formerly run by the News Leaders Assn., are among the most prestigious in journalism, spotlighting a range of outstanding reporting and writing from U.S. news organizations. The contest recognizes 10 winners and 19 finalists in print, digital, video, audio and social media. In an announcement, the contest judges praised Lopez's work for its 'mix of perspective, empathy and outrage' and noted, 'It's powerful work in the name of a good old-fashioned cause — a neighborhood and its people.' His winning entry included columns about the famed Langer's Deli considering closure, an L.A. Fire Department station navigating a stream of overdose emergencies, the experience of local restaurant workers in the area, how various teams are trying to solve the public health crisis and the community's need for a champion. Arellano was recognized as a finalist for his series of articles detailing his road trip across the Southwest, interviewing Latino people about their hopes, fears and dreams during an election year, and ultimately explaining why the 'Latino vote' is a myth. The full list of Poynter Journalism Prize winners can be found at
Los Angeles Times
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Times columnist and violin-playing subject note 20 years of storytelling and friendship
To the editor: The meeting of Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez is one of my all-time favorite L.A. stories ('20 years and counting: How a chance encounter with a street musician led to a lasting bond,' March 28). It is certainly worthy of acknowledging the 20-year anniversary. The homeless can be annoying but simultaneously invisible for most people in L.A. as they hurry through traffic and busy lives. Lopez's demonstrated ability to embrace another human being with a pure heart has become a rare quality. I was delighted when reminded of Mr. Ayers' musical performance at Disney Hall and at the White House. It is inspiring to be reassured that when chance encounters are sought with kindness, they can still make all the difference in people's lives. Eduardo Escobar, Glendale
