Today’s tragedy in Connecticut was horrific. But let’s take a moment to reflect. Peaceful human civilization is improbable, miraculous, and wonderful. The fact that a society has emerged in which most people can safely walk down the streets is utterly astonishing. Western Civilization has overcome plagues, famine, and war. We are a resilient tribe. While we should mourn the dead, we should also be thankful to occupy the safest, most prosperous civilization in human history.
I’ll be in Connecticut in a few weeks. Out of respect to the dead, I will not let this senseless tragedy taint my impression of their wonderful state. Tragedy can happen anywhere. Such is the fragility of human life. Let us appreciate what we have, and fear not what we cannot change.