"Obviously, the good of a society has to have a political expression as well as other expressions but I think the organized political expression of the good of a society is the least significant part of it. The most perfect expression of the good of a society is neighbourliness. It's actually about how families and communities work with each other and then how we are neighbourly towards the land."
Guite, Malcolm. Interview by Paul Anleitner. “How Malcom Guite is Breaking the Postmodern Spell.” Goodmakers Podcast / Paul Anleitner, YouTube, 7 September 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XSOVq7-uDg, ca. 1:04:20–1:06:50
I have been doing a lot of walking, talking, and meditating on this city of ours, and have been dwelling on what sort of narrative vision Bartlesville is writing for itself. Its not something any one particular person owns, but is a collective expression of the dreams and wishes of its people and the playing out of day-to-day life and action.
There is a common yearning for Bartlesville to be a place for families- and indeed, there are many families here (mine is happily one) who are growing and putting down roots, connecting one home to another and to another and so forth. There is a wish, if possible, that the next generation might not have to move quite so far away in their search to make a living... but perhaps, like the Aspen tree network of Colorado- the next generation could sprout nearby and enjoy the full fruits of the generations prior.
I think this is the story I wish to support, for my part. Contributing in some small way (though it may be in poor penmanship) the next chapter of Bartlesville through my 5 children and whatever connections I may make.
I leave with a small encouragement and exhortation-
Do please get out and go walking- this fall, walk your neighborhoods- talk to your neighbors, get to know them. Make some roots!