I can only speak for myself; people in my demographic never elected me spokesman! lol
I think about life and how to live it well. Whether or not the USA is an “empire in decline” doesn’t change the fact that the only life I have to live is this one playing out now. After studying Chinese history somewhat, I realize that life predates me by a lot, and will continue with or without me. It’s so humbling. The big issues will eventually sort themselves out, whether I’m around to see it or not.
So I don’t sweat the big picture. Empires rise and fall. I just have my life to live; I want to make it one that I’m happy to have lived.