  We interpret the elements of the exceptional Lie algebra
$\mathfrak{e}_{8(-24)}$ as objects in the Standard Model, including lepton and
quark spinors with the usual properties, the Standard Model Lie algebra
$\mathfrak{su}(3)+\mathfrak{su}(2)+\mathfrak{u}(1)$, and the Lorentz Lie
algebra $\mathfrak{so}(3,1)$. Our construction relies on identifying a complex
structure on spinors and then working in the enveloping algebra. The resulting
model naturally contains GUTs based on $SO(10)$ (Georgi--Glashow), $SU(5)$
(Georgi), and $SU(4)\times SU(2)\times SU(2)$ (Pati--Salam). We then briefly
speculate on the role of the remaining elements of $\mathfrak{e}_8$, and
propose a mechanism leading to exactly three generations of particles.
