In this penultimate essay in Dancing the Dream, Michael writes from a place of intentional and intense self-reflection. "Mirroring" the themes from his song "Man in the Mirror," his essay "The One in the Mirror" takes the reflection a step further. Illustrating an internal battle between hope and cynicism, in this piece Michael literally argues with himself about his responsibility to the world as a person largely shielded from its suffering, while still deeply impacted by it.

For me, this is one of the strongest pieces in the book that offers more than a purely idealistic view into the genuine struggle to show up for others, when it would be much easier to turn away.

The interview featured in this episode is from the 1987 interview with Ebony Jet.

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