I am thinking about
the beautiful German word Zuversicht. It carries a depth that cannot be fully captured by a single English term. It combines optimism, confidence, trust, hope, and faith - and for me, it also implies a good portion of engagement and direct action, something I know I need to practice more to counter both a personal and the seemingly global sense of gloom.
Historically, the word Zuversicht was rooted in trust in God and religious faith. Over time, however, its meaning expanded and shifted toward a more active quality: confidence in oneself and one’s abilities.
An early example of these changes in meaning can be found in the 17th century within the story of Reineke Fox (1) (1650), where Zuversicht is described as a quality of courage and wit. The Brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's dictionary records the following lines (2):
er weisz, was tugend kan, wenn sie vernünfftig wagt;und seine zuversicht hat furcht und feind gejagt
He knows what virtue (or integrity) can achieve when it dares wisely; and his Zuversicht has driven away fear and enemy.
Etymologically, the word itself derives from “sich versehen,” meaning “to rely on someone” or “to trust in,” which naturally points to a positive view of the future. In this sense, Zuversicht is not a passive belief, but an outlook that combines trust with the readiness to act.
The futurologist Matthias Horx defines Zuversicht as a way of looking at the world from the perspective of the future. Instead of fixating on problems, which only grow larger the more we stare at them, Zuversicht turns toward solutions. Such a stance is creative, resilient, and maybe even liberating. Zuversicht, therefore, is not merely an attitude but an active way of engaging with the world.
And, while researching the word and attitude, I stumbled across a beautiful recording, dedicated entirely to the theme.
So, I am currently listening (on repeat)
to Zuversicht, with works by Telemann, performed by mezzo soprano Susanne Langner. It is a beautiful blend of sunny cheer, whimsy, and optimism, and quite the musical embodiment of Zuversicht. Telemann soothes worries to sleep, admitting to not being an angel, really, but striving earnestly. He is content, happiest, and most secure when being (by) himself, and, of course, remembering that fortune travels on foot, step by step - a gentle reminder that happiness unfolds gradually, one moment at a time.(3)
In diesem Sinne - babysteps!
Till next time,
Kirsten
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1 Reineke Fox has, over time, morphed from a wicked trickster into someone who is capable of turning the world, or existence within it, toward the good - full of Zuversicht, I am guessing, (and notwithstanding the occasional misfortune of a chicken or two).
2 htps://woerterbuchnetz.de/?sigle=DWB&lemid=Z12201
3 Find the whole playlist here.