It isn’t. It never is.
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The Same
What a time to be alive.
We’re on the cusp of regular space travel, and at the dawn of the Metaverse. The future looks crazy.
On the flip side we’re overcoming a pandemic that shook us to our core. The Western World is increasingly polarised. People are rioting in the street. This time it feels different. Surely it’s never felt quite like this?
But it has. We’re not special.
Humanity may feel like it’s at an inflection point. Like it’s teetering on the edge. But I bet the Roman’s felt the same. Or how about the European explorers? As they set out to find new worlds?
As for the pandemic? There have been hundreds in recorded history. Take a look at Covid vs the Black Plague.
Pick up an ancient text. Read the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, or even the Bible. It’s shocking how applicable the lessons are to this day. Different millennium, same shit.
A Problem Shared
It’s the same for the individual.
When faced with a problem, it feels like never before has anyone faced such an obstacle. From finding your place in the world to dealing with life’s lows.
But, of course, countless people have faced this. And many of have over come it. Why can’t you?
The good news is that if others have overcome these things, they can help you too. Everyone knows something you don’t.
I’m frequently shocked at where the answers to my problems come from. Out of nowhere an Uber driver is an expert on corporate finance. A problem shared is a problem halved as they say.
Different
That being said…
You are different. We all are. In fact, there’s never been anyone quite like you. Lean into that.
Today the world is noisier than ever. 7.75 billion people! All chattering away and scurrying around the earth’s surface.
Even more jarring is the fact we’re now connect to most of them. Someone told me recently that a third of the world’s population checked Facebook in the last 10 minutes. A third! Remarkable. Unless, of course, that 10 minute slot was an anomaly.
So there you have it. You’re different. But that good news is that that’s your biggest asset. Go wild. No one is going to beat you at being you.
My Week in Books📚
I’ve been offline this last week. All being well I’m back today (23rd) and will catch you up on books next week. Until then…
I’ll be updating the books I’ve read this year here. Any recommendations? Let me know! See 2021’s books here.
A Final Thought 💡
"Mankind are so much the same, in all times and places, that history informs us of nothing new or strange in this particular. Its chief use is only to discover the constant and universal principles of human nature."
- David Hume