‘Does it feel like the world is in precarious shape, politically, economically and morally?’ I asked Camp, still trying to digest the morning news of slaughter, mayhem, lies and politics.

‘You really need a break from the endless news cycle of misery. Look at the beauty around you, cherish the people you know, have a laugh, listen to some music.’

‘I know you’re right Camp but this war in the middle east wakes me up, the spectre of another Trump presidency makes me break out in a rash and Putin’s war of attrition, sacrificing thousands of lives for his hubris is making me ill. Those are just the top three on a long list of wrongs.’

‘We both know that your feelings about all this will not change anything in the world out there but may very well impact your health, your relationships with people and your state of mind. You’re turning into a cantankerous pessimist; worse than just a cynic like me.’

‘You’re right. All this bad news is affecting my mind. The world needs a reset so everybody can start again. We cannot go around in an endless cycle of blood feuds, revenge and punitive bloodshed fuelled by hate and disinformation. Most of all, the present generation cannot pay for the sins of their forefathers and we cannot use history as a motivator for future policies and behaviour. To re-live the past and saddle the present and next generation with the guilt of their fathers is unfair and a burden nobody should carry.’

‘A reset is a good idea but we both know that is not how the world works. People are not electronic equipment and they don’t all have the same button to push. However, I do agree with you that the present generation cannot be held responsible for the fuckups of their parents. It’s not their fault that we are facing all these existential crisis’ but yet we expect them to fix the problems they inherited. That’s true for everybody and every generation. A reset implies all is forgiven and we all start anew from the same place. A clean slate for all. That of course will never happen.’ 

‘Who’s the pessimist now? We need this conversation. Without discourse there is only silence and silence is the end. How to undo all that is wrong and evil? We need everybody to go back to square one and we cannot let history dictate the future.’

 ‘Are you really suggesting that everybody has to put down their arms, bury their axes and smoke the peace pipe and forgive all debt?’

 ‘Of course, all of that is just wishful thinking from my comfy chair. Reality is unforgiving. I know that we’re all different but we all want the same things. A future for our kids and grand-kids; a sustainable environment; leaders and politicians that listen and work for the common good; clean water, shelter and education for all. ‘

‘Don’t forget to include freedom from dogma and religion in your utopia,’ Camp said, emptying his glass. Or as a friend of mine put it: Religion is the third rail of public discourse. If the truth touches it, truth dies.’

‘Oh boy, this is thirsty talk my friend. Can I buy you a refill?’

‘I thought you’d never ask.’