[sama]

You raise very good points.

The future will either be great or terrible--I think an intermediate outcome is unlikely. I think it's a super exciting time to be alive, but I feel the shared sense of responsibility most others do to do everything I can to get safely through the other side.

I understand the desire to save enough for a scary world ahead, and I think it's prudent to do that. Beyond, that, if you're nervous about these things, probably the most satisfying and reassuring thing you could do is figure out how to use your talents to maximize the chance of the a good outcome.

[rojobuffalo]

Absolutely that last sentence. I'm 27 but only in the past 12 months have I figured out what I'm supposed to be doing. So keep asking the question: what is something I can I do that is helpful to people, I enjoy doing, and am good at? If you're fortunate enough to come up with a reasonable answer, the pursuit of that thing in and of itself is enough.

[nradov]

Intermediate outcomes have predominated through most of human history. Why do you think it's different this time?

[tim333]

I think it's human nature to see things as a drama - we're doomed or happy every after. If you look at the stats mediocrity is more usual.