"800 more American centuries"

I think I'll hitch my cart to this philosophy. There is so much doom and gloom out there currently, it's refreshing to read this quote from National Review by author Tom Wolfe:

"Tom Wolfe and America? He loves the place, a position that puts him at odds with much of the charming aristocracy. He’s also an optimist about America — and American greatness. 'The biggest problem,' says Wolfe, 'is all the people who see a problem.'"

Wolfe believes the world is "on the edge of about 800 more American centuries." In The Bonfire of the Vanities (1987) he all but predicted the Rodney King incident and the resulting Los Angeles riots a full four years before either occurred. This is a smart, intellectual guy, and I'd like to believe he is right. It's so easy to get mired down in the negativity all around. There is much reason to be negative, but I think it's really important to remain hopeful and forward thinking. This short interview with him by National Review is worth a look.