The power of story and narrative to fit together various and sundry events should never be underestimated. We all do it. We all assume we’re the good guys in the story. Remember this next time you interact with someone who seems “weird.”

They are playing a completely different movie than you are and likely believe they’re on the side of righteousness. Don’t just assume bad motives, evil intent, or stupidity.

They might not even be ignorant but are just unaware of the details and events that make up the story in your own head. It’s even possible that the story is logical within the framework of the narrative and known details that fit said narrative. We all have confirmation biases.

We all struggle with cognitive dissonance. Let’s avoid moral panics and catastrophizing. Let’s avoid assuming others are using the same words the same way. Let’s lean into Grace. And say together, “Epstein didn’t kill himself,”