Glasgow: More than 12,000 people filled a major venue in the city to hear former US President Barack Obama share his perspectives on the pressing challenges facing the world today.
During his address, Obama was asked if he still maintained faith in a well-known phrase by Martin Luther King Jr., which suggests the moral universe is long but ultimately bends toward justice. The former president affirmed that he continues to stand by the sentiment, describing hope as an active and almost theological choice that individuals are required to make.
He explained that hope represents a conscious decision regarding how people choose to confront and embrace their finite time on Earth. Obama told the audience that he considers it much healthier to believe positive change remains possible. He noted that while acting on that conviction does not always guarantee immediate success, things generally improve over time.
Obama also addressed a recurring historical cycle in which humanity tends to forget past lessons and begins taking progress for granted. He pointed out how societies often start dismissing harmful rhetoric from politicians—such as language that fosters hatred or targets immigrants, Jewish people, Black individuals, and the gay community—as mere talk or humor.
According to the former president, people frequently forget where such rhetoric ultimately leads, resulting in a society that becomes increasingly intolerant. Despite these concerns, Obama emphasized to the Glasgow audience that while the world will continue to face major hurdles, humanity possesses the capacity to improve and that fighting for a better world remains a worthwhile endeavor.