The Bright Side of a Depession
You are probably filled with anxiety abut your job, your home, your investments, your business. All the economic predictions are dire and your economic future does not look too good. You have reason to be depressed, but don't be. As one who survived the Great Depression, I'd like to point out the bright side of a depression.
First of all, what is a "depression"? How does it differ from a "recession"? When your neighbor is unemployed it's a "recession." When you are unemployed it's a "depression."
Regardless of what you call it there are many wonderful things about a depression. I point out 3.
First, there is less materialism. Less shopping for all sorts of goods. Less time wasted washing, cleaning and repairing all this stuff. Less clutter in your garage. More time for people. More time spent with your family. More time for friendships.
Second, there's less jealousy. What's there to be jealous about? Your neighbor doesn't have anything either. Paradoxically there is more generosity and more empathy. Since you don't have anything, it's easy to share it with others. In connection with this the old comedian Sam Levinson used to tell the story of what happened in his home when guests were invited for dinner. His parents told him and his siblings, "When I distribute the chicken, just say you don't want any." When it came time for dessert his parents said, "Those who didn't eat their chicken don't get dessert."
Third, you do not rush around. You have more time to relax, take it easy and enjoy the free things in life - such as the warmth of the sun, the beauties of nature and the pleasure of friendships.
These are some of the good things one finds in a depression. So if you don't mind being hungry occasionally, you will enjoy the currently expanding depression.
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