The macro sucks; focus on the micro
What are some small things that give you joy?
Comedy writer and national court jester Andy Borowitz (The Borowitz Report) has an interesting letter today, July 11. He tells of posting a picture of his two dogs one day and how online commentary veered quickly toward politics: the budget bill, ICE raids, etc.
Andy wonders: “Are we thinking too much about politics?”
He notes the conundrum we face: If we bury our heads in the sand, authoritarianism wins; but if it’s all we think about, authoritarianism also wins.
Should we reframe the choice? Andy writes, “Well-informed concern and vigilance that lead to action? Good. Relentless doomscrolling and freakouts that induce catatonia? Bad.”
He quotes comedian Susie Essman: The macro is fucked. We gotta go micro. That is, “focus on the small things in life that give you happiness.”
Of course, if you are in genuine crisis, the advice is unhelpful. “But if your suffering is not at that acute level,” Andy writes, “try to take a little break from the macro. Take a walk. See a friend. Read a book. Listen to your favorite music. It might improve your wellbeing. And it might refresh you for the fight.”
What do you think? How are you coping with the macro while also focusing on the micro?