The Current What drives people to pursue impossible goals
Jan 13, 2026
Mark Medley, a journalist at the Globe and Mail and author of 'Live to See the Day,' dives into the fascinating world of those who chase impossible goals. He explores why individuals, like perennial candidate Liz White, are drawn to relentless pursuits. Unpacking the 'cathedral analogy,' he discusses how some lay foundations for future generations without seeing the results. Medley shares stories from SETI and highlights the joy of embracing uncertainty, linking optimism to hope for the future and long-term thinking that inspires stewardship for all.
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The Persistent 'No Hope' Candidate
- Mark Medley followed Liz White, leader of the Animal Protection Party, who repeatedly ran elections despite knowing she would never win.
- He observed she spent years campaigning for a cause she knew would not lead to office, illustrating commitment without victory.
Tucson's Interstellar Dreamers
- Medley attended a Tucson convention of engineers and physicists working on interstellar travel who accept it's unlikely in their lifetimes.
- They pursue foundational research knowing future generations may reap the rewards.
Building Cathedrals As A Metaphor
- Many pursuing impossible goals liken their work to building cathedrals: laying foundations they won't personally use.
- This perspective reframes labor as intergenerational stewardship rather than immediate personal reward.