Soul-Craft…in politics?

There was always something “other-worldly” about Pete Buttigieg when he was a candidate for President. Frequently when he spoke I was blown away by how thoughtful and deep his observations were about policies, governing, religion, humanity. He was/is so wise for having so few years in life experiences. Sometimes I thought, “Maybe Pete HAS had multiple life experiences, and we are just seeing one of them right now!”

One example is how many languages he spoke. And not only the popular languages. How and why did he take the time to be proficient in these languages? So one time (as he nattered on in Norwegian) it hit me: “Oh! He isn’t learning the language – he is learning about the people who speak the language! That is the whole point.” That is wisdom for sure.

When he decided to end his candidacy, I wanted to hear him describe why…not a surprise ending, but still – his words and ideas consistently had the ability to surprise. This time was no exception. At the finish he shared why he enjoyed politics (this will be good, I thought – why someone so wise was spending his time in such a crass endeavor): “Politics at its BEST is ‘soul-craft!’” WAIT, WHAT???? What does that even mean? How can that possibly be? But since Pete Buttigieg was/is so insightful about so many things, I have not stopped pondering and seeking the meaning of that (and evidence!). And then recently I saw this statement by Martin Luther King Jr., and now I think I get it:

This policy-making, governing, implementing, protecting endeavor of politics, when equal and fair and compassionate, is soul-craft.