“We will conquer cancer in our lifetime.”
There’s something about the phrasing of that sentence. It’s not just the use of the word “conquer,” the war based metaphor. What really stands out to me is the usage of “our lifetime.” It’s such a relatable term. The boundaries are so fuzzy. I imagine hordes of people passing by, all of varying ages, thinking, “Yes, in my lifetime.” It’s such a hopeful declaration. Then slowly people’s lifetimes will end. New generations will emerge. They will pass by this very sign and think, “Yes, in my lifetime.” The sign itself will last (and perhaps be relevant) long beyond our lifetimes.