James Rhodes is a contemporary composer who I consider a brave man for three reasons. The first for daring to be a pianist, the second for carrying with dignity a biography full of difficulties and the third for being able to share it.

In the last months I have received several gifts from this musician since he came to me through his book. I have been able to watch some videos and listen to his music, I found out that he currently lives in Madrid and a few days ago I read his words in the newspaper El País in a marvellous article. In it he makes a plea in defence of the Spanish way of life, in a column that distills optimism.

It still strikes me that someone has to come from outside to defend the local values that we ourselves denounce or do not recognize. In these times of bad news, scandals and corruption that are somehow gangrenous to social coexistence, it seems necessary to look for elements that change our vision. An epidemic of optimism would be nice. That's why I'm bringing Rhodes up today because his example may help many. Just as it costs very little to be polite using the magical words please and thank you, we would benefit greatly if we were able to recognize the good things that life provides and verbalize them.
As a doctor, I recommend you to be optimistic, it is more important than doing the opposite with bad news and ugly problems. Dare to turn off the TV news a little and become more aware of the little good things that surround us. Let's be able to...