Ben,

My larger point is that we are all in this together and a very real consequence of our focus on the particular, the node, is this individualistic society, where we all live in our own cocoons and most relationships are mediated through money. We do shrivel up and die that way. The networks, what connects us all together and feeds us, emotionally and physically, are brushed aside. Quantified, digitized, monetized, discrete. As I point out, it’s the energy and emotion that expands, yet as soon as it’s quantized and qualified, it becomes form and starts to condense.

So, no, I don’t have an answer for a hypothetical depressed girl. I’m trying to communicate with you and the issues you raise. Occasionally I do happen upon various younger women with what I find to be interesting world views, on medium and try to address the issues that they seem to be wrestling with. It’s part of my few hours in the evening and Sundays, of computer time, along with keeping up with the news.

Though I’m a piker compared to my daughter. She has been teaching special needs highschoolers in inner city Memphis for the last three years. Those kids have real issues.