We embrace isolation and anomie as we have more disposable income. It's our choice because we find value in comfort and privacy. The best argument to be made th

We embrace isolation and anomie as we have more disposable income. It's our choice because we find value in comfort and privacy. The best argument to be made that this is a poor choice is that we discount the work needed to maintain social relationships, and chase after bright shiny things at the loss of something more valuable. You could also say that we discount the discomfort of living close to others after we have achieved some separation. I definitely think being poor is romanticized by some strains of thought. I think a desire for authentic community is a mark of material affluence, and should not be seen as a regression. The community we desire is not actually authentic. We don't want to be around poverty or dysfunction or addiction, which are all elements of authentic communities. We want a sanitized community. It's just the next ask after air conditioning.