It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, is a cop out. Rhetorically, it’s clear, easy to agree with, and safe to pronounce in even the most banal contexts. But if anyone besides me or Charles Dickens uses it, feel free to ignore the rest. They’re most often trying to run out the clock. To the best/worst of times view, one might respond: pick a fucking side already. Few will.