The mood in Philadelphia was "mostly festive" but also charged with "that unique mix of anticipation and fear that comes with the feeling that the world is about to change." Are you familiar with this type of ambience?

As the Second Continental Congress met, the authors write that the mood in Philadelphia was "mostly festive" but that the air was also charged with "that unique mix of anticipation and fear that comes with the feeling that the world is about to change." Are you familiar with this type of ambience? During which events in your life have you felt this way?

Anytime there is a major change in presidential administrations there's that same feeling of excitement and unsure feelings of what will happen next.

The fall of the Berlin Wall.
The stand off at Tienanmen Square
Arab Spring
The fall of the USSR
A Polish Pope

the assassination of JFK
the onset of the Covid pandemic
the storming of the Capitol

I would have to say - somewhat. As a young woman I moved to Germany from the US and while I was excited, I was also frightened. Then came the Covid experience, which was life-changing for me. However, that does not equate with the fear that would prevail knowing your whole world, everything you knew and understood, may change forever. So while I can understand some of the feelings, I definitely cannot relate completely.

That is why I read. To learn what others have experienced.

Yes, I have felt that way. Its unsettling and terrifying at times.
When I had my daughter - it not a political event - but I was well aware life was going to change dramatically and I was excited but really scared.
As someone mentioned every new presidential election brings a bit of fear and excitement. More fear in recent years. When the Capitol was breached during the attempted coup I was not excited, not jubilant, only fearful our democracy was about to fall and those inside the Capitol would be killed.
When I have marched in rallies for Women's Rights and Gun Sense Legislation I have been excited to be part of thousands joining for a purpose to make our voices heard, and yet, there is also fear as protestors have been shot, run over and otherwise attacked. But, we march with the hope that we can change the world and make it better for our children.

the assassination of JFK
the onset of the Covid pandemic
the storming of the Capitol

12/31/1999
presidential elections

Someone above mentioned moving, and I think that certainly fit the bill for me! When I moved from Ohio to Oregon, I was excited about starting a new life but at the same time quite anxious about all the unknowns.

Historially speaking, COVID was one of those times when you felt the world shifting, a point in time when you felt a lot of things would be different going forward. In my opinion, though, it lacked the good kind of excited anticipation that the authors mention happening in Philadelphia.

Yes, I think our nation is there right now - we are on the brink of something. But were not feeling very festive.

I feel the mix of anticipation and fear about our present sudden changes —environmental, economic, political, technological. What will my grandchildren’s world look like when they’re my age?