We’re Living in Crazy Times, But Here’s Why That’s Exciting
Weird Times, Bro
Let’s start with the obvious: we’re living in some seriously strange times. I’m a fifth (or maybe sixth?) generation American bro named Chad, and while I’m not here to offend anyone or come off like a privileged white dude, that’s just who I am. So here’s my take on the wild world we’re living in.
Donald Trump is our president again. That’s… insane. I’m not here to get political, though. I’ve got friends on both sides, and I love them just the same. But you gotta admit, this isn’t exactly a normal situation.
Our Past & Future President
Meanwhile, the world’s on fire – figuratively and literally. We’ve got wars between Gaza and Israel, and Ukraine and Russia (I’m sure there are more that we don’t frequently hear about). I hear the stories on NPR every morning, and they’ve made me shed a tear more than once. I can’t even imagine living through that level of horror.
Inflation: The Real Villain
Then there’s inflation. As a slightly beyond novice Bitcoiner, I call bullshit on the “official” numbers – whatever they are. Just look at how much the money supply ballooned during COVID. It’s simple supply and demand, bro. More dollars chasing the same stuff equals higher prices.
COVID M1 (the money in circulation) Stimulus Effect
And now it’s hitting corporations. Streaming services? They’re charging more and implementing ads (again) – because of course they are – they’re just as hungry as the rest of us. Remember when paying meant no commercials? Those days are long gone.
All of the stupid movies that are coming out – no creativity allowed, it’s whatever the “algorithm” says will yield the most amount of money with the lowest budget possible.
Long story short, people, corporations, and industries are all trying to catch up to the fact that we’ve inflated the hell out of the dollar and all that hard earned money from a few years ago is worth half today (maybe 4 times less according to the chart — I’m no economist though)!
The Bigger Picture: Inequality and Division
Here’s the kicker: inflation and economic shifts only widen the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Inequality is a massive problem, and I don’t claim to have all the answers. But one thing is clear: we’re more divided than ever, and it’s killing us.
We need unity. Like, yesterday. Climate change is here, and it’s the biggest threat humanity has ever faced. We can’t solve it if we’re fighting each other.
Why I’m Still Optimistic
But here’s the thing: I think we live in one of the most exciting times in history. The problems are big, sure—but so are the opportunities.
New technologies are emerging at breakneck speed. Driverless cars, electrified everything, renewable energy, 3D-printed organs, AI—you name it. These are tools that could change everything.
And let’s not forget Bitcoin. I’ll save my full spiel for another post, but let’s just say I see it as a game-changer for financial freedom. Pair that with AI, and we’ve got a shot at building a better, fairer world with more time to focus on the things that matter most to us.
A COVID Wake-Up Call
Remember the early days of COVID, when the world basically stopped? Planes grounded, streets emptied, factories quieted. For a brief moment, people in Mumbai (or wherever that was) could see the Himalayas for the first time in decades. You all know what I’m talking about!
That was a “holy shit” moment for me. It showed how much we can change—quickly—when we come together.
April 9, 2020 — original article linked above
The Challenge
Look, the world’s a mess. But instead of focusing on the negative, let’s find the opportunities to make a difference. The only way we’ll solve these problems is if we work together.
So the next time you feel pessimistic about the state of things, pause. Look for the chance to make a positive impact. You just gotta believe – like Ted Lasso level belief.
We can do this, but only if we do it together. Hopefully we all can play a role in making that happen… let’s talk about it!
Believe – Ted Lasso