I like to write about optimistic ways to live life fuller and happier. There aren’t a lot of external voices that give us optimism. I wanted to share something from NY Times columnist David Brooks. Today he wrote a column of unbridled enthusiasm and optimism about the future of America. I was excited to report that there was so much hope and even empirical reasons to be optimistic. I respect him enough to give credence to his ideas. But apparently other readers do not.
As a strategist, as an observer of the currents and mindsets, I am sorry to report that almost all commenters DID NOT agree with Mr. Brooks or even buy in to the ‘facts’ he set forth.
So bad news, dear readers, while there may be evidence for optimism, there is a large contingent of skeptics. I wanted to celebrate but cannot based on the comments.
Here’s the run down—plenty of goodness to celebrate. Relax, We’ll Be Fine
1. “Over the next 40 years… the U.S. population will be enterprising and relatively young. … half the world’s skilled immigrants come to the U.S. … the average American worker is nearly 10 times more productive than the average Chinese worker.”
2. “This produces a lot of dynamism.”
3. “As the world gets richer, demand will rise for the sorts of products Americans are great at providing — emotional experiences.” [From Hollywood to Nashville to Madison Avenue to Facebook to Apple to ??]
4. “We are living in a global age of social entrepreneurship. …The culture of service is now entrenched and widespread.”
HOWEVER, the commenters ARE NOT BUYING—and there are over 500 comments and counting.
“Pollyanna outlook”
“Your nice urban/suburban predictions do not change the fact that we are, right now, "heading in the wrong direction", as the majority of us believe.”
“We're in the trouble we're in because we relaxed too much.”
“What is your idea about "emotional experiences?" You lost me there!””
“Your rosy future is going to be a long hard slog.”
My conclusions for today.
· The future is uncertain and not in my control.
· The only control I have is over my here-and-now, my response and outlook.
· I can make a huge difference for my family and my local circle and community.
· That will be enough.