In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens wrote one of the most famous and influential opening lines:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

As a writer, I can’t imagine a better opening for a story. The book may be a total bore, but after reading the first lines, I want to read it. I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for beautiful covers and opening lines.

The book was published in 1895. That’s 130 years ago. And yet, we can say that we live in times that are the best and the wors...