Coffee & Optimism

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The only way to contemplate the hard-to-fathom sum of $700 billion, especially while listening to the unbelievable early-morning good humor of Adaora Udoji and John Hockenberry on NPR’s “The Takeaway,” is with a strong cup of coffee. In fact, contemplating anything profound or mind-engaging or challenging often requires coffee. At least it does for me. The National Coffee Association reports that I am in good company----82% of Americans drink coffee. And in this respect, we are decidedly global, international, cosmopolitan---we help consume the 400 billion cups of coffee that are consumed each year worldwide.

And, of course, coffee is overwhelmingly good for us---significantly decreasing the risk of suicide from depression, diabetes, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and liver cancer (especially if you are an alcoholic). And apparently, there are other, more subtle physical benefits that over time have a largely positive impact on us biologically.

For those of us who depend on coffee to stoke our productivity and fuel our creativity, coffee drinking is serious business. Coffee is a liquid prism through which we view the events of our lives—drop by drop, cup by cup, pound by pound. It’s important to be awake for the critical moments in life---and even seemingly mundane moments can be critical when each moment builds towards something better. Coffee is the drink of optimism. Drink coffee, be happy.

Comments

Alma Schneider said…
Ah, yes! Coffee is what I look forward to each morning, as each cup's warmth is a soothing ritual that marks the start of a new day. It cleanses me (you coffee drinkers know what I mean) and it's rich, earthy aroma allows me to go forward. Thank goodness it has the health benefits you've stated. Now I can enjoy it without the guilt!
Thanks!
Alma
September 26, 2008 at 10:05 PM
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