I don’t buy the death by a thousand cuts — by itself. I think the disappearance of a transcendent purpose, especially in the public sphere, combined with those

I don’t buy the death by a thousand cuts — by itself. I think the disappearance of a transcendent purpose, especially in the public sphere, combined with those little things that has brought on the pessimism. When everyone’s getting richer, being a hedonic consumption machine is a rewarding existence. But if ones highest purpose is a pleasant and pleasurable life, you’ll be ill prepared when adversity strikes.