Despite Everything, It’s a Great Time to Be Alive

Whatever is going to happen with the election is going to happen. Most people have made up their minds, and it’s unlikely that any October surprise—or even a November surprise—will change that. The polls have been stable for literally years now, and as of this writing, more than 80 million votes have already been cast. By all means vote if you haven’t yet. But once you do, pour yourself the beverage of your choice, sit back and wait with the rest of us.

And while you’re doing that, maybe you should ponder that this is a great time to be alive.

I know, I know. The pandemic is bad. The economy, while rebounding, is still a mess for most people. Race relations, riots, left-wing mobs, right-wing militias, polarization—I get it. We have problems. I also understand that many people think that if their guy doesn’t win the presidency, we’re doomed.

But take a deep breath, zoom out from your Twitter and Facebook feeds or your TV screen, and look at the big picture. I mean the really big picture.